DAR ES SALAAM, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on Monday inaugurated his foundation aimed at serving his fellow countrymen in health care, education and governance.
Kikwete said he will use the foundation, named the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF), as a vehicle for continuing to serve Tanzanians.
Launching the foundation in the east African nation's commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Kikwete said: "My foundation will focus on four areas of health care, education, youth and governance."
Kikwete, who ruled Tanzania for 10 years from 2005, said his foundation will closely work with the government and other stakeholders in addressing challenges facing ordinary Tanzanians. He retired from the presidency in 2015.
Born on October 7, 1950, President Kikwete is a graduate of economics from the University of Dar es Salaam. At the university, he was a student leader and active participant in African liberation politics and youth movements.
Kikwete later sharpened his leadership skills in the military, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel before retiring from the army in 1992 to concentrate on politics.