Tanzania Prime Minister's Profile (peasant’s son)

MHE MIZENGO PINDA

Home and Family
Born in 1948, Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda is the first born in a family he himself calls a predominantly peasant family. On ascending to the new position of Prime Minister on 8^th February 2008, he declared in his maiden speech, that he would continue to be a peasant’s son, thereby striking spontaneous closeness with the majority of Tanzanians who lead a peasant life. He is married to Tunu Rehani Pinda with four children.

Education and early career
Hon. Pinda went to Kakuni Primary School and Kaengesa Seminary in Rukwa Region from 1957 to 1964 and later, to the then prestigious Pugu Secondary School (1965 to 1968), and Musoma Secondary School for A’ level studies in 1969 - 1970.
He took a Bachelor Degree in Law (LLB) at the University of Dar es Salaam in 1971, graduating in 1974. Upon completion of his degree, he was posted in the same year as State Attorney in the Ministry of Justice where he spent four years before he was moved to State House to become Assistant Private Secretary to the then President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and his successor Ali Hassan Mwinyi between 1978 and 1995
Political career
He served as Clerk to the Cabinet during President Benjamin Mkapa’s tenure, from 1995 to 2000, later went into politics to become Member of Parliament for Mpanda East Constituency, in Rukwa region, in the October 2000 General Elections.
He recalls the run up to the parliamentary seat was not easy. He was unsuccessful with his first attempt in 1995 and when 2000 was at the corner, he has joked that he had to get assurance from Mr Mkapa to retain his post in case he lost.
After spending 22 years at the State House, he now has a record of 10 years at the crucial Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government Authority having first worked as Deputy Minister, and later as full Minister in January 2006.