John Pombe Joseph Magufuli was born on October 29, 1959 and raised in Chato, a village in Kagera region [now in Geita region]. He was born into the family of Christian-observant Mzee Joseph Magufuli and his wife Mama Suzana Magufuli.His late father Joseph engaged in mixed faming, and Magufuli grew up in typical village life, taking part in agricultural activities, especially raising his father’s cattle. He was sent to several schools for his primary and secondary education - Chato Primary, 1967-74; Katoke Seminary/secondary, 1975-77; Lake Secondary, 1977-78 and, for senior secondary education, Mkwawa High School, 1979-81.

Jakaya Kikwete was born on October 29, 1950 and raised in Msoga, a village in Pwani region. He was born into the family of  Mzee Mrisho Kikwete. His late father Joseph engaged in mixed faming, and Magufuli grew up in typical village life, taking part in agricultural activities, especially raising his father’s cattle. He was sent to several schools for his primary and secondary education - Msoga Primary, 1958 – 1961; Kibaha secondary, 1962 – 1965.