Kikwete commends Samia's leadership amidst national challenges

Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Kikwete has lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her resilience in addressing various challenges facing the country, including electricity and sugar shortages.

Mr Kikwete emphasised that such hurdles are typical tests of leadership and highlighted that President Samia's calm and composed leadership has fostered stability among citizens.

His remarks come against the backdrop of significant electricity and water shortages nationwide, coupled with a scarcity of sugar leading to a sharp increase in prices.

The former Head of State, also serving as the chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), made the comments on Thursday, February 22, 2024, during the signing of six contracts for the construction of 21 buildings as part of the expansion and establishment of the university’s new campuses in Lindi, Kagera, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.

Expressing gratitude to the government, Mr Kikwete highlighted the substantial support from the government in implementing the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project. He commended President Hassan's efforts in advancing the country's development despite the challenges.

"Challenges are inevitable in leadership. Even in powerful nations like the United States, challenges persist from independence until today. We've experienced power outages and sugar shortages and all these are leadership challenges. However, President Hassan's composed leadership in facing these challenges is commendable. When challenges arise, and leaders panic, it only exacerbates the situation," remarked Mr Kikwete.

Regarding the UDSM expansion, he emphasised that it aligned with the HEET project goals. The university has secured $47 million (about Sh110 billion), aiming to enhance infrastructure and quality education.

UDSM vice chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, noted in his remarks that the HEET project aligns with the National Development Vision 2025 and the ruling party’s (CCM) Election Manifesto (2020-2025), focusing on industrialisation and job creation, especially for youth.

"In order to align with the use of ICT, the university is committed to enhancing ICT infrastructure to improve teaching and the delivery of various services, including security. Emphasis will be placed on integrating ICT into teaching and learning," said Prof Anangisye.

He noted that a team of experts worked extensively on designing it, presenting it to stakeholders and building users, making adjustments, and then gaining approval from the university council.