Kashim Shetima was born on September 2, 1966 Shettimari to the family of Alhaji Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe in Maiduguri, Borno State
He is a graduate of University of Maiduguri
He also attended the University of Ibadan from 1990 to 1991, for his Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics.
As a Banker he rose to become the manager of Zenith Bank Maiduguri before he left banking for politics.
Between 2007 to 2011,Shetima served as Commissioner in 5 Ministries.He was Commissioner of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs (2008), Education (2009), Agriculture and Natural Resources and finally to the Ministry of Health.
Shetima succeeded Allimodu Sheriff as Governor of Borno state in 2011
He contested and won the election under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party ANPP
His term in office was dominated by the deadly Boko Haram insurgency.
Shetima was later elected to the senate in 2019 to represent Borno Central Senatorial District
Alhaji Shettima is a practicing Muslim and is married to Hajiya Nana Shettima. The marriage is blessed with children.