JUNE 2014 ISSUE 41
Telling Rwanda’s Story Magazine
FREE COPY Twenty years of building the Cityof KigAli
www.hope-mag.comwww.hope-mag.com The management and staff of RULIBA CLAYS LIMITED wish all Rwandans a Happy 20th National Liberation Day
COVER
Twenty Years of Building the CITY OF KIGALI
HIGHLIGHTS The main achievement to me is the 22 Police on GBV improvement of service delivery to the residents of the city. Developing 7- EDITORIAL City of Kigali epitomises 20 infrastructure is important but more years of liberation important is ensuring that the population can access what they need and are entitled 8 - KCC 20 years of building a secure to, more easily. Service improvement has economically viable City been achieved through two developments; 22- POLICE Confronting GBV head-on the decentralization process that enabled many services which had in the past 24- MTN 21 days of MTN’s Y’ello Care, a been sought from the highest office to be perfect model of sustained outreach taken closer the residents. Considering the 26- RDB What you need to know about governance structures of the city before reforms in doing business and immediately after the genocide, Kigali was a Prefecture under the leadership of a 36- SKOL Skol Lager; everything that Prefect who was charged with offering every Rwandans like in a beer service. 44- KPA Kenya Ports Authority Kigali City of Kigali Mayor Liaison Office Guarantees world-class Fidele Ndayisaba service to Rwandan traders
48- BMC Bio Medical Centre Cherishing contribution to Rwanda’s health
51- TIGO a World first, Tigo’s parent, Company Millicom acquires Rswitch Rwanda
55- IMA- International Maritime Agency Rwanda Offering all-round logistical solutions
56- TOPSEC-Ten years of offering unequaled security services
60- TUMBA College of Technology - Linking RDB Bussiness Reforms skills development to market needs
4 June 2014 Issue 41
JUNE 2014 ISSUE 41
PUBLISHER’S WORD
HOPE TEAM
Abraham Rumanzi Albert Ndata Amanda Simbi Christela Umuhire City of Kigali epitomises Gahima Vital Karugahe Mutoni L. Latim Lawrence W. 20 years of liberation Manzi Joseph Matthew Rwahigi Muziba Sheilah Rwanda’s walk in the last twenty years has been a long one, Ndella Rugema I. bumpy and sometimes stormy; but the leadership of the Nyiridandi Jacky country has unwaveringly remained focused, steering every Rebero Daniel sector of the economy, every area of the polity and rebuilding of the social fabric into vibrancy.
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Hope Magazine Ltd, ity of Kigali is the epitome of this development that has infrastructures defiantly grow, social services and amenities strewn and taken nearer to the people with the quality of life tremendously improving for the better. The citizenry have ADVERTISING & grabbed the opportunities so created in Kigali and using the established facilities Cto further promote and get involved in trade, services and improving the quality. GENERAL INQUIRIES
P.O. Box 6176 City of Kigali competitiveness has been a great blessing to the growing tourism Kigali-Rwanda industry. The quality of services rendered in all different sectors; transport, hotel, +250 788 524189 / clearing and forwarding, attracting investors, issuing construction permits and attending to the citizenry with a clear sense of considering timeliness have translated +250 788 404138 into a consistent growth. [email protected] Website: hope-mag.com Unplanned settlements of spontaneously erected buildings that were making it difficult to connect households to the water system, collection of garbage and other services are gradually phasing out, disaster management is getting better and with a good network of health facilities, disease management is also some of the best in region. COPYRIGHT 2013 Today to approve any new building plan, it has to meet all the yardsticks of sanitation, reserved by Hope hygiene and landscape considerations. There is zero tolerance to unauthorized Magazine Hope illegal constructions. This is done in the spirit of preventing disasters and avoiding Magazine a monthly suffocation. In these and more senses, City of Kigali epitomises Rwanda’s journey of Magazine is published successfully transforming from smoldering into consistent vibrancy. by Hope Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed We appreciate your feedback. Please keep sending more on [email protected] or visit in the magazine are not www.hope-mag.com to post your comment on any published story. necessarily those of the We shall pick it and respond to you asap! editors and publishers of Hope Magazine. Rebero Daniel
Care is taken to ensure accuracy, Hope Magazine assume no liability for error or omissions in this publication. All Advertisements are taken in good faith, opinions and views contained herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. All copyrights and trademarks are recognized. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission by Hope Magazine. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts with the purpose of fair review. © 2013
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2020 yearsyears ofof buildingbuilding aa secure,secure, economicallyeconomically viableviable citycity
Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, situated in the centre of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. It has a population of approximately 1.2 million people.
he city is built in a hilly contender to be the capital of the new had been pulled, beginning nationwide country, sprawling across independent nation, but Kigali was massacres of Tutsis across Rwanda. about eight ridges and the chosen because of its more central Though the onslaught had was planned Tvalleys in between. The city location. Kigali was part of German East and spontaneously carried out across centre is located on one of these Africa from 1890 to1916, when it was the country, the toll that the genocide ridges, with the main government captured by allied forces during World had on Kigali was more amplified area on another. War I. As part of the former Ruanda- for it was the seat for the genocidal Urundi territory, it came in trust under government and home to the infamous Kigali also is an important centre for Belgian control from 1919–1962, when RTLM radio station which mobilized trade in local produce. the independent states of Rwanda and the Hutu population to turn the blades The city was founded in 1907 Burundi were created. of their machetes onto their neighbors, under German colonial rule, but family members, and friends. did not become the capital until hen the plane carrying Rwanda’s independence in 1962. Rwandan President Juvenal Besides the destruction of the city’s The traditional capital was the seat Habyarimana and Cyprien population, especially the elites who of the Umwami (king) in Nyanza, WNtaryamira of Burundi was were to build it, the genocide tramped while the colonial seat of power was shot down on April 7th in 1994 as it Kigali’s nascent infrastructure as in Butare, then known as Astrida. descended on Kigali, the trigger that the uncontrolled mobs roamed its streets Butare was initially the leading genocidal government had waited for taking the lives of her own, burning
8 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20 roads and destroying buildings with bombs being reinforced by the partisan army of the time. Reconstruction
n the aftermath of the genocide, the government of Rwanda embarked on an ambitious plan to Irebuild the country’s capital and it competitive on the international stage; to attract investments and thus fast track the nation’s development. Dramatic population increase has been recorded over the past two decades with the post genocide period being the time this city experienced the highest population growth. This was because most of the returning Rwandans tended to go to the capital where there was considerable security.
The post 1994 Kigali witnessed a boom in construction but equally in many other sectors of the economy. Business in Rwanda is growing, and many new buildings are emerging The Mayor of Kigali, Mr Fidele Ndayisaba across the city. Tourism provides an important input into the economy of the city which also is home to Mr. Fidele Ndayisaba explains, the and during the genocide because of Kigali International Airport. It is the challenges that Rwanda faced in 1994 many reasons including the fact that hub of Rwanda’s transport network, and the very make up of the genocide even the demarcations of the city with hourly express bus routes to all founded the Rwandan spirit that has increased to result into an area more major towns in the country. taken the country and city forward. than double the initial size. The city is now has an area of over 730km2. In an interview, the Mayor shares a number of key factors that have seen In terms of population, we have also Kigali repackage itself as a global more than doubled from about 500,000 beacon of successful urbanization, from people to over 1.2 million, according to the city that was almost known only the 2012 statistics. for the genocide that tore its social This increase in size and population & and economic fabric apart. Here are is no accidental occurrence but one Q A excerpts of the interview. that has been driven by constantly eing the capital of Rwanda, improving infrastructure and facilities Kigali was at the centre of Q: Take us through the journey in the city; which have not only the 1994 genocide against Kigali has travelled these last 20 attracted Rwandans from across the the Tutsi planned and country but also an ever widening B years? executed under the watch of the expatriate community. then Rwandan government. Though What we witness today in Kigali is the challenges that the city faced in A: Q: Over the last twenty years, the wake of the catastrophe were a complete miracle and being able to what would you say are Kigali’s immense enough to burn it to ashes narrate the path we treaded till today and never give it room to resurface is almost impossible for the present main achievements? again, the resilience of Rwandans city does not in any way compare with kept it afloat; and the same has seen pre genocide Kigali and the days that A: The main achievement to me is the the Rwandan capital defy political immediately followed. improvement of service delivery to the rhetoric that had classified Rwanda I say that the current day Kigali is a residents of the city. Developing infra- a failed state. As Kigali Mayor, completely different city from before structure is important but more import-
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ant is ensuring that the population This is what will make Kigali a first class can access what they need and are Despite the achievements destination for business investments entitled to, more easily. Service registered, we need and and tourists. These areas in addition improvement has been achieved deserve more” Lord Mayor to the infrastructure development and through two developments; the de- Fidele Ndayisaba services improvement are the areas we centralization process that enabled will put our efforts at. many services which had in the past been sought from the highest office have been dreamed of considering the to be taken closer the residents. chaotic city we were in 1994. Q: What is your message to These achievements coupled with the Rwandans during this 20th Considering the governance struc- overall infrastructure development liberation? tures of the city before and immedi- of roads, increased access to water and electricity recorded at 89 and ately after the genocide, Kigali was First I want to extend a vote of thanks 67 percent from 50 and 40 percent A: a Prefecture under the leadership to residents of Kigali and all Rwandans respectively, the quality of life in the of a Prefect who was charged with for their extemporary contribution to city of Kigali has greatly improved in the offering every service. The city was the city’s development and wellbeing last two decades. divided into three communes, which over the last two decades. We thank were literally not functional. From the visionary leadership of Rwanda to The improved quality of life is reflected six dependent districts, the city cur- which we attribute the achievements by the reduction in the percentage of rently has three autonomous dis- we are enjoying today under H.E Paul Kigali residents below the poverty line tricts each with numerous sectors Kagame, who after leading the country which has lowered from 22.7 percent and it is through these structures to its liberation remains at the forefront in 2001 to 16 percent. This is lower which are closer to residents that all of the battle to improve the livelihood than the national vision of reducing the services are delivered. of the people of Rwanda. number of people below the poverty line to 20 percent by the year 2020. Besides municipal services, service And finally, I invite the people of Kigali,
delivery in numerous sectors has Rwandans at large, and friends of improved over the last two decades Q: Going forward, which areas are Rwanda and our city across the globe, especially owing to increased flow you looking to focus on? to remain committed to the vision we of investments in the city. have set and work harder. The journey A: We have laid a good background leading to our envisioned development rom less than 50 schools in which I believe we can build onto. In this is still a long one. Although we have 2001, the city now counts over area, we already have a detailed master made commendable strides in the last 184 primary schools which are plan which will guide our development twenty years, our achievements are not Freinforced by the government for the next forty years until 2040. baseline for any form of complacency programs of nine and twelve years So in a nutshell, our main focus will be for Rwandans need and deserve better. basic education to ensure that all on implementing the Master plan and We have come a long way as a city; children in the country access free ensuring that we build a well planned, we have to push through until we education up to completion of sec- safer, admirable, and attractive city for develop a Kigali that will be a centre of ondary school. In health, every dis- our population and visitors to enjoy. sustainable urban excellence. trict in the city has a well equipped hospital while a health centre has been constructed in each sector.
This in itself is miraculous before mentioning the booming hospitality industry. From less than three hotels which were also of poor standard, I can off the top of my head count over 50 hotels of world class standard including a five stars and many four star hotels. Having such an increase in investments is a sign of good business environment that facilitates private sector growth. The flourishing hospitality industry, cleanliness, and security are respon- sible for Kigali’s hosting of numer- ous international gatherings in the past, something that could never
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in existence and the main road to the that these projects play a vital role in Achievements airport. From just a few privileged job creation. “The 100km cobblestone neighborhoods, having good roads has road project for instance will employ been prioritized, yielding the current people in the regions of 50,000 who Sanitation and hygiene road network which covers new and will pocket 20% of the project’s cost of old settlements like Nyarutarama, Rwf38 billion,” Nzeyimana offered. he immaculacy in the City of Kibagabaga, Kimuhurura, Kimironko, Addressing the insufficient supply of Kigali has come into being as Remera with cobbled stone as well as affordable housing a result of several deliberate efforts crafted by the policy T ne thing that cannot be makers, implemented by the overlooked is the limited technical staff managing the affairs supply of housing especially of the city, with the full embrace and for the lower and middle ownership by the Kigali citizenry. O income classes of Kigali residents and Today Kigali is one of the cleanest this has strongly caught the attention cities in Africa. The feedback of the city authorities. Nizeyimana just received from the visitors and the like the Kigali Mayor concur that the residents themselves is a clear challenge is huge but adding that the testimony that there is a definitive required foundations have been laid to appreciation of such efforts. get the city onto with addressing it.
The Mayor of Kigali, Mr. Fidele To the above, the city working with Ndayisaba says much as the efforts other development partners and of keeping a clean and green Kigali city’s Vice Mayor of Social affairs Hope Tumukunde different institutions of the government Kigali are paying off, there is no executed a detailed market survey of room for complacency in attaining tarmac roads. But the infrastructure the housing needs in 2012 identifying even higher standards in hygiene development over the last two decades the housing gap in every category of and sanitation. “We shall continue has also been effected beyond the the population. This was done such investing more efforts in building capital yielding good quality national that the city would attract investments the infrastructure, overhauling the roads like Gatuna-Nyabugogo and in the sector by showcasing the kind substandard ones and polishing many provincial roads connecting the of opportunitie available as well as those that are good to make them capital to the rest of the country. Kigali ensuring that developers develop the best and attain international city in 2001 only had 102km of tarmac what will be consumed. Currently standards. Routine maintenance, roads but this has increased to over some projects are underway like a improving the sanitation systems 360km of roads with tarmac. 3,000 house affordable house units in and developing well knit water Akumunig, Nyarugenge district. and sewerage systems continue to There were no cobblestone roads then, receive high considerations in the now there are 50km and the city recently Another element that is relative to day-to-day activities of Kigali City.” launched a new project of 100km of the development of good housing cobblestone roads which will serve to structures is addressing the slum Infrastructure open up most neighborhoods of the city challenge that persists particularly in and upholding Kigali’s cleanliness. Kigali’s old settlements. Since the inception and eventual “That will make 150km of cobblestone implementation of the Kigali Mas- from zero in 1994. There are plans to Here Vice Mayor Nzeyimana scores ter Plan, all activities including con- cover all areas between cobblestone that the city is addressing it in three struction of buildings and roads are roads and tarmac,” Ndayisaba offered. ways; expropriating and develop- done into step with the plan. According, the city had less than 50km ing these areas but at the same time Looking back at 1994, of asphalt roads in 1994 but this has pointing the residents where to go, re- since increased to over 300km. questing owners to upgrade and this is Mr. NIZEYIMANA Alphonse the already being done, and developing in- Vice Mayor of Kigali in charge of In regards to cobblestone paved roads, frastructures of roads and other ameni- finance and economic development from nothing the city now counts 50km ties which improve the quality of life in scores that for a city district like while 100km project has also started these slums and consequently motivate Kicukiro, there was only one tarmac for Remera, Gatenga, Rwezamenyo the residents to develop their houses. road—from Kanogo to Remera and sectors and are slated to be concluded This development of decent housing Kanombe. Only a few kilometers in the near future. But inasmuch as for city residents also includes the of tarmac were in Nyarugenge and the construction of roads facilitates construction of a proper sewage man- Kiyovu—that is in the city centre. improving support structures to fast agement system which Mr. Nzeyimana Kacyiru-Kimihurura road where track development, Nizeyimana adds says had for long been challenged by ministries were located was also
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the unplanned nature the over 100 Green Hills, La Colombière, and Riviera Masolo, served with a good tamarc road years old Kigali had been developed High School among many others. Public and offering a Masters programme from in the past. However, the city is final- schools have also increased, especially their Gishusu office—where they used izing with a detailed sewerage de- since 2003 when the President, His to be while in transit from Mudende. It velopment plan which will facilitate Excellency Paul Kagame, pledged that is now called Central Africa Adventist Kigali in developing efficient central each child has a right to nine years of free University, which is now a fully fledged sewerage systems to address the education. Since then, not only has the university in Kigali, not just a branch or challenge. “We will begin with the number of schools increased but also the transit one. high density neighborhoods and lat- actual classrooms and of good quality in er follow-on with others.” “But this these schools hence boosting the quality Other universities like ULK, INALK, is not to mean that the last 20 years of education. University of Kigali which is new, Kigali have yielded nothing in this regard Institute of Management in Nyandungu, since city buildings have over time In terms of institutions of higher learning, RTUC and international ones like improved from having septic tanks there are now up to 11 institutions— that Carnegie Mellon University, Mount to sewerage treatment systems,” is universities, colleges and institutes, Kenya University and Jomo Kenyatta Nizeyimana adds. nine of which are privately owned and University has sprung up in the years after operated. Before the liberation, City of 1994. With such an increasing number of Water and Electricity Kigali had only branches of government schools, the city will this financial year institutions—the faculty of law, one 2014/2015 carry out a school mapping Less than 50 percent had access to branch of Busogo Institute of Agriculture which will serve to ascertain the distance improved and clean water in 1994. learners are required to travel while As per now, 89 percent have access going to school. to clean water. For electricity, only 40 percent had access, but this has “Although the schools are increasing, increased to 67.4 percent with access. there remain learners who move long Important to note however is the fact distances to get to the nearest academic that rural parts of Kigali particularly in facility. We intend to reduce this and the Kicukiro and Gasabo districts gained mapping will help determine where to access to clean water and electricity develop new ones in the future,” Kigali after the genocide. “This is something city’s Vice Mayor of Social affairs Hope they would never have dreamt of Tumukunde shared. before,” Nizeyimana notes. Net primary school enrolment has improved to 93.9 % while net secondary He adds “Electricity and water have enrolment is 42%. The literacy level in been extended to all parts of the city. the City is 89%. What is left is facilitating people to Mr. NIZEYIMANA Alphonse, Vice Mayor of Kigali for economic development connect their homes. This we believe Health will also be achieved in the near future too since the government is also and Livestock and the Public Finance he only hospital we had in making tangible efforts to increasing Institute in Mburabuturo that was also 1994 was CHUK. Today, there energy generation since these utilities training only a small number of staff for are three district hospitals the have been marked as basic needs and the Ministry of Finance less than 100 per Hospital of Muhima, the Hospital rights for all Rwandans through vision T year. After 1994, others were established; of Kibagabaga and Hospital of Masaka. 2020.” KIST, KIE, SFB and all those public There are many health centers that have institutions that have been merged into been established, with only four sectors Education one university, the University of Rwanda. that do not have centers of their own but within reach of medical services in a Accordingly, the number of schools In terms of government institutions of radius of not more than 3km. According in Kigali city has raised from 50 higher learning, there are two—the to Tumukunde, plans are underway in 1994 to 184 primary schools. University of Rwanda with several big to develop modern health centres at There has been a big increase in colleges in Kigali and IPRC Kigali which every sector and improve every district private initiatives bringing in more has been modernized and expanded with hospital. international schools in the city, standard equipment. Until 1994, Mudende This she notes will result into two major from only Ecole Belge and former was the only private institution that had achievements; improving the facilities Ecole Française in Rugunga. From a branch in Kigali with the main campus accessible to residents at every health that time to now, there are more in Rubavu. This eventually transferred centre or hospital while at the same time private and international schools to Kigali and is now fully operational in widening the health service packages with better infrastructure such as Kigali with a new campus developed in offered.
12 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20 Poverty reduction opment especially of manufacturing and the Kigali residents themselves and construction. Tremendous changes who have ardently participated in have been registered in the construc- the greening process. “Other than n the city of Kigali, the rate of observing a strict code against crude people below the poverty line tion industry in real estate, commercial and modern buildings in the city. dumping, proper liquid and solid waste is 16.8, according to the latest disposal; residents invest their efforts Ihousing and population census in landscaping during the communal this is already lower than the national When you have work –Umuganda. target of 20 percent by 2020. “Being a unplanned settlements, city, this is normal because it is more with spontaneously This is because they are the primary ben- advanced compared to other parts erected buildings, it eficiaries of this pleasantness. When they of the country we can’t say that it is becomes difficult to keep their lawns tidy, the road reserves a miracle. In 2001, it was 22.7 and far connect households to the and the adjacent buffer land between higher than that before 1994.” water system, collection their property and public land, it is every- of garbage is rendered one’s benefit. Cleanliness is enjoyed by Based on these numbers, Tumukunde almost impossible and all, their properties gain in value and the argues that Rwanda’s capital is steadi- when disasters of any environment is conserved as the soils are ly addressing the economic divide be- kind strike—like fires and protected from the ravages of erosion. It tween the poor and the rich in the city. epidemics—they become is a win-win situation.” Mayor Ndayisa- She notes that the city has made tan- very difficult to contain. ba says. gible efforts at addressing the poverty “So planned settlements issue and quickly adds that even more are the way to go. There are some companies hired to do is yet to be done going forward. the collection of garbage from public places—one in every district—and are For instance, CoK has developed paid on a monthly basis. The Mayor “Girubucuruzi” program which is Before 1994, it was unfathomable a dream to think about real estate in Ki- points out that the Rwanda government considered as the Girinka Program invests in the establishment of infrastruc- for rural Rwandans. Girubucuruzi gali. The estates today are established in Gaculiro, Kicukiro and private projects in tures, mobilization and sensitization of is a Kinyarwanda word loosely the masses. So when the populace real- translating into “have a business”. Kagarama, Kibagabaga and Kagugu. In terms of the hospitality industry, which izes the immense benefits in keeping a Ms. Tumukunde scores that the clean green environment, they become city realized that some of its urban is the gateway to the service sector, ho- tels’ quality and quantities have so much self-mobilising. “They are our major part- residents would not benefit from the ners and beneficiaries in this task,” he Girinka program and thus sought increased which are all contributing to the flourishing of tourism. observes. after a more convenient program to support them in fighting poverty. The Mayor is optimistic that with the im- he first five-star hotel in Rwanda was registered after 1994 that is plementation of the new Kigali Master nder Girubucuruzi, an a Plan, hygiene and sanitation conditions relatively poor person de- the current Serena Hotel (formal- ly Intercontinental, and earlier on will tremendously improve. “When you velops a small project that T have unplanned settlements, with spon- would require a maximum diplomat). Hotel des Mille Collines, has U doubled capacity and the level of service taneously erected buildings, it becomes of Rwf500,000 capital. This is financed difficult to connect households to the while other prosperous businesspeo- they offer now and they have modernised and improved the standard to a four-star water system, collection of garbage is ple support the entrepreneurs with rendered almost impossible and when advice on how grow their business. hotel. Hotel Chez Lando has more than doubled the capacity and the standard. disasters of any kind strike—like fires and epidemics—they become very diffi- “With Rwf500,000 which is relative- For Hotel Umubano (formerly Meridien), cult to contain. ly the cost of a cow, we believe that a hardworking person can be able to we are now redeveloping it. The former Hotel Kiyovu the new hotel Kiyovu has “So planned settlements are the way o grow bigger. We have seen invaluable go. In fact to approve any new building examples of such people who started more than 100 rooms. Before that, the hotel which was government-owned had plan, it has to meet all the yardsticks of from even less only to develop into sanitation, hygiene and landscape con- some of the wealthiest individuals in less than 30 rooms with the level of ser- vice which was very low. siderations. There is zero tolerance to our communities,” Tumukunde noted. unauthorized illegal constructions. This Contribution to national development is done in the spirit of preventing disas- Industry and service sectors are some Greening and sanitation ters and avoiding suffocation. Buildings of the main drivers of Rwanda’s eco- must meet standards to ensure safety The efforts to keep a clean green Kigali nomic growth and the City of Kigali of the people. ” has contributed a lot to the devel- have been supported by the government
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Plans are also underway to establish a Mayor, during the awarding of bids to together as this yields faster and better centralized sewerage system starting the winning transport companies in mid results. “In the past, we have seen very with the densely populated areas August in 2013. many big projects pulled off by the pri- and scale up later in other suburbs. vate sector. Markedly, these are often The Mayor explains that to instill the The future achieved by cooperatives and groups values of cleanliness and hygiene, other than individuals. This spirit of work- awareness creation has been taken ccording Kigali’s Mayor, the last ing together is what should govern us in in primary schools. “Our children have twenty years have laid an invalu- the next future.” to grow with respect to a culture of able foundation for the city to cleanliness. And as we tread the path Atake off into its next development He adds “As the leaders, our main of restoration of dignity, cleanliness phase; becoming the commercial hub of emphasis will be building the capacity is a high value tenet that must be the region and a beacon of urban excel- of the business community so that they accentuated,” he reckons. lence on the continent. He however notes can take Kigali and Rwanda as whole that most of the work going forward is to the next phase as it journeys towards “So, we should all understand that for the private sector, which he urges to achieving the set targets of becoming a cleanliness is a virtue that benefits nurture and further the spirit of working middle income nation by the year 2020. all; the residents, the visitors, the businessmen and investors. Just as President Paul Kagame has often reiterated; ‘We do not need any aid to keep our backyards clean’, we should all be inspired by that philosophy and continue minding cleanliness right from within the heart.” Improving urban transport
n 30th August 2013, the City of Kigali (CoK) launched a new public transport Osystem. These reforms were an implementation of the public transport policy and strategy approved by the cabinet in October 2012. The system came into place as a solution to the many problems that were dogging public transport in the city like; poor service delivery, unhealthy competition, a disorganized transport system and unprofessionalism. All these led to a totally dysfunctional public transport system.
The move saw the City divided into four exclusive Public Transport Zones that were allocated to three success- ful bidders; Kigali Bus Services, Roy- al Express, and Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives (RFTC), through an open competitive bidding process, where each was awarded a five year operation license.
“This system will encourage the use of modern, smart and bigger buses, appropriate for public transport along congested roads in the city”, pointed out Fidele Ndayisaba, the Kigali City
14 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20 Former city mayors commend master plan implementation Kigali’s development over the last twenty years; the tidy streets, well groomed lawns, pedestrian walkways, have attracted global attention but most remarkable of these achievements in view of once leaders of the city is the city’s Master Plan and the eventual implementation of its guidelines.
he former city leaders talk capital city, vibrant, secure and attractive This excessive suspicion within the about the dissolute and chal- to investments and tourists. One big population that was supposed to lenging conditions that char- challenge at the time was getting the city productive made advancing on Tacterized post genocide Kigali functional again; the business community development agendas questionable. especially during their respective going about its duties, the city authority People would not focus on the future tenure as the city stewards. administering law and order among while they still could not freely mix with many other bottlenecks that weighed one another. The challenge prompted heavily on Rwanda’s capital at the time. government to initiate programs like Umuganda (communal service, carried The picture back then, though it will out one Saturday each month) in order forever remain clear in mind, relates in to allow people rub shoulders in public no way to current day Kigali which has places, and to work together. become a centre of global attraction winning the funds of international investment brands. The state of infrastructure in the city is evidently just at takeoff to better days though it is neither any worse if it were compared with other cities in its vicinity in the Ms. Rose Kabuye Kigali city. 1994 - 1998. region and the continent.
During the 1994 genocide against But most important to note is the Kigali the Tutsi in Rwanda, Kigali had been city Master Plan whose proposals are at centre stage for the widespread steadily becoming part of the Rwandan government geared killings. The culture. It is impressive that people Mr Musoni Protais state of the city immediately after the today think of what they want to Kigali city, 1998 and 1999 genocide was dissipated. develop and where it is sectioned in the master plan before they start off to hunt The first structures of Umuganda involved Clearly, the city’s former years of for a plot of land to develop. people engaging in the communal existence had done little to develop Beyond any thread of doubt, at twenty work to improve their surroundings but it as a capital city that would serve years, Rwanda’s capital city is headed also would share a drink at the end of as a development gateway into for better days. every Umuganda. This facilitated in the Rwanda. Besides, Kigali was just a reconstruction of the broken social ties. small, disorderly, and infrastructure- wisely feeble urban centre, that I can ther programs like voting by correctly say was more of a rural town lining behind a candidate made than a capital city of a nation. The social homogeneity in current sure that people had a moment day Kigali never ceases to amaze me Oto disagree in a healthier setup. The prevailing infrastructure challenge because there is a time this seemed like These coupled with other initiatives like considered and added to the chaos something we would never achieve in Gacaca courts, brought the society back that had resulted from the genocide the any foreseeable future. together, allowing people to rediscover and the war that was fought to put an You would see people suspicious each other. Now the social cohesion that end to the tragedy, Kigali city was left of each other each day you walked one witnesses in Kigali is nothing short with literally nothing to build upon, through the city streets. For instance of amazing. The reconstructing of social except for the committed spirit of her before someone would board a bus, ties of Kigali residents and Rwandans people. For numerous days, I would they would first check what kind of altogether yielded a more responsible find myself drawn within wondering people dominated it and whether the community which is answerable to whether Rwanda will ever have a driver was Hutu or Tutsi. one another when it comes to issues
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concerning development. This is been developed without a clear plan of the city has exhibited in the past till this something I am most proud of about what to do, to achieve what. Before the moment. The Rwandan capital besides Kigali city and Rwanda as a whole. genocide, people and the government being beautiful also is vulnerable to alike used to develop infrastructures environmental disaster. This called for I cannot wait to see the city of spontaneously and this resulted environmentally friendly approaches to Kigali in the coming years for I am into a small disorderly city. Another ensure sustainable urban development convinced that there will be no stop achievement to commend Kigali for is and this has surely been given due to what will be achieved in building the environmental consciousness that consideration until to date. an environmentally sustainable and socially flourishing city to set an example for both post-catastrophe recovery and urban development, for our region and the world.
igali’s path over the past twenty years serves as a special piece of good governance Kand social development. The city has in the past been able to revolutionise giving way to a capital that allows its residents room to play a lead role its governance; from electing their leaders, airing their concerns and most importantly these being considered and acted upon, to developing a relatively conducive environment for the society to flourish.
Dr. Aisa Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira Mayor city, 2006 - 2011
For instance, the development of the master plan was done consultatively with participation from all classes of people through different forums.
The master plan and the efforts being made to implement it remain the main achievements of Kigali to date in my perspective. Kigali’s main challenges in the past mainly emanated from the fact that it had
16 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20 “From a stinking small town, Kigali is steadily becoming a centre of global attraction,” Rose Kabuye
Ms. Rose Kabuye Below are excerpts. Kigali city. 1994 - 1998. stinking, corpse littered, small, and disorderly city, to becoming one of the Q: Describe what Kigali looked safest places to be on the continent like in 1994? and the first area to think of when clean urban living is in context. A: Looking back at 1994, all that was is a small poorly planned and disorganized Cleaning the city and improving its Q&A town. There were only a few roads, environment did not, and I believe old tarmacs in the city centre and the up to now doesn’t, require huge roads at the Kacyiru roundabout where investments so we just moved on with uly 4th twenty years ago, the Ministries are, and one that goes that. And then later, those other areas Rwanda was captured by the to Kanombe airport. Nothing more in like infrastructure development which then rebel forces Rwanda terms of infrastructure! need heavy investments came into JPatriotic Army, ousting the Consider the infrastructure challenge perspective. genocidal government, ending the added to the chaos caused by the world’s worst tragedy in the 21st genocide against the Tutsi and war Another groundbreaking achievement century, the genocide against the which left the social fabric torn apart; came in with the decentralization Tutsi, and consequently embarking bodies covering every street, dogs and policy which has ensured that service on an ambitious goal of rebuilding a scavenger birds roaming in every corner, delivery is streamlined and that people country whose fate as a nation was and the stink that Kigali was covered get a more sounding say in how things already being debated. in, by no doubt I believe everyone can turn out in the city. imagine the otherwise unimaginable The centre of this reconstruction situation that Rwanda’s capital was in he Kigali of 1994 was a prefecture and development over the two at the time. which had three communes. decades has been Rwanda’s capital However all the services and Kigali, which besides being the Besides the chaos and disorderly decisions were left for the administrative centre, is the most T nature of the city, it also was small and Prefect who had to be involved in almost commercially vibrant and largest with a small population of just about every small business of the city. This city in Rwanda. 450,000 people who were also living caused inefficiency in service delivery a rural lifestyle. This does not in any to the extent that even a minor road Propelled by the need to clearly way compare with the current close to damage required the prefect to inspect, document Rwanda’s and particularly 1.5 million residents and the appraisal commission its rehabilitation, and go on Kigali city’s remarkable journey that the city of Kigali is enjoying, being to manage the implementation. of recovery, Hope Magazine’s considered one of the most developing Matthew Rwahigi caught up with urban centres in Africa and a beacon of With decentralization however, the Kigali’s last Prefect and first Mayor success on the continent. city became a more efficient body, who administered the Prefecture saving its residents the trouble and of Kigali immediately after the Q: What in your perspective cost of travelling distances to the genocide, Ms. Rose Kabuye talking are Kigali’s most outstanding highest office to access services. But about the condition of the city that most importantly however, the city post genocide Rwanda inherited. achievements over the last twenty of Kigali has developed an extensive The most reiterated fact is that years? master plan to orient its development; current Kigali can by no means be showing the kind of achievements that compared to its conditions 20 years A: One thing that cannot be overlooked are aimed at and elaborating how ago. is the cleanliness of the city; from a these can be achieved.
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Planning plays a major role in There are times when I would move power to achieve nothing less is what development and the city master through this city, look at the chaos will propel our city and nation forward. plan was very key in setting Kigali and disorganization that was going For the rest of the world, I know there on the right track to becoming an on around and think to myself, “This are people who appreciate the stride organized, well developed capital. will not work”. But guess what, it did. Rwanda has made in the last twenty Thus our achievements today should years, but also there are others who slap a bold “nothing is impossible” deliberately look the other way. Q: What should Rwanda’s to our faces. Looking back, what we As Rwanda celebrates 20 years, I think celebration of 20years after went through up until liberation was it should be proof that we have always liberation mean to its people founded on hope, determination and known what we want, we unwaveringly selfless service and sacrifice. and the world? do all it takes to achieve that, and so we should be left to do that for history These same virtues governed the taught us invaluable lessons, that A: What Rwanda and the city of country until today and attained the we should build a unified and strong Kigali for that matter have achieved development we enjoy, so we need to country. Ms. Rose Kabuye was the first in the last two decades is beyond learn that this spirit of knowing what mayor of Kigali city immediately after any expectations. we want and doing everything in our the genocide through to 1998.
Kigalians speak
Riyaz Naghoor Maurice Ogutu Head of operations at UAE Country manager of Fonexpress IT & Exchange Rwanda Communications Company
igali is one of the most am much impressed with security beautiful, developing and which is maintained through upcoming cities in Africa. day and night, the presence of It is clean, welcoming and I security personnel around the city K and in its surroundings, really shows hospitable with lots of impressive over the years. Claude Mbarushimana things like monthly initiative by commitment from the government to A taxi motorist ensure Kigali is safe and peaceful city. residents to clean their places and the surrounding. Also, I love Kigali’s This place has for me become a second Another achievement that one can home, one that I at times feel like I am warm, loving, cooperative and loyal point out is that the city has attracted residents who freely associate with in love with more than even my native a good number of service providers, Nairobi Kenya. any person even non Rwandans. I notably financial institutions which cannot fail to mention that Kigali factor has eased access to finance, Also, there is strong commitment to has become a very lively place with allowing us to improve out standards numerous hospitality and recreation the rule of laws and regulations. For of living. Notwithstanding the notable instance, there are very few counterfeits sites coming up each day, making it development achieved this far, there one of the best towns to be in. products on the market, thanks is need to construct more affordable to Rwanda Utility and Regulatory low cost houses in form of flats in Authority and the Rwanda Bureau of order to accommodate us the majority Standards. These bodies have enforced ne thing that I really who have minimal incomes. There are strict measures on the importation commend the city for in the substandard houses which dominate of tech-based, and genuine products last 20 years is good roads. most of the neighborhoods which pose are sold at affordable prices. The OAs a taxi motorist, this has a very serious risk particularly those government has made efforts towards a strong impact on my development built on hillsides. creating a good business environment
18 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20 in Kigali city and I think the bigger part of what is left as we go forward is for the business community. One thing that I exhort my fellow businesspeople is working 24/7 because the security and facilities in the city allow for that, we need to utilize it if we are to compete with others elsewhere in the region and beyond. Jean-marie Niyozima Mechanic Edison Bizimana a motor mechanic here has been realizable development in the public he security in the city and the sphere where for instance good business environment now we repair more cars created over the last twenty T years are commendable and owned by people than before T where we always waited for these have yielded a busier city than public vehicles. This has boosted we could have imagined it, twenty business and allowing us to earn years ago. handsomely and improve our However, the rising opportunities living conditions. Unlike what in the city should create more Mary John hear that happens elsewhere, in jobs among the youth for I find CEO of SAHASRA Electronics in Kigali we get genuine durable unemployment a challenge especially Rwanda products as government has to those who have finished school. made commendable efforts at Even those who are employed, they he transformation of Kigali protecting consumers. are kind of under-employed. never ceases to excite me especially because this city Tis always on a steady upward projection. As surprising as it is, current city structures compared to two years ago when I first set foot in Kigali are far much improved. It is steadily transforming into a vibrant business city.
I am confident that dynamism in the business environment Jean de Dieu Ndayisaba translates into growth. The booming Airtime vendor Seth Mbarushimana construction sector giving rise to Owns a kiosk complex buildings, and increasing hat I am most glad about foreign investments are all signs is the universal education or some of us who have been that this city is ready to become the which has benefited in this city for long, the main commercial hub of the region. Wmost of my younger achievement today has been Rwanda remains challenged with siblings. This is good job by the Fthe change of attitude of many insufficient energy to run all the government which without doubt service providers particularly in activities adequately. will help improve our standards of the private sector. Back in the days, living. Also the good road network customers had to literally beg service While the government is making is commendable progress. Also, the providers to serve them. In the public efforts to generate more power, cleanliness of the city has given us a sphere, now most of the required it is equally important to focus good image as residents and I cannot documents like construction permits on prudently using what we have be any less proud. But we want the and identity are easily acquired. I through energy saving measures authority to make extra efforts at cannot fail to point out the cleanliness like using solar devices in some addressing the transport challenge. which I guess is the most distinguishing operations and installing LED lights They should woo investors to put element of Kigali from any other to minimize consumption. more buses in service. African city.
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Kigali Before
20 June 2014 Issue 41 KWIBOHORA 20
Kigali Now
www.hope-mag.com 21 RWANDA NATIONAL POLICE
Confronting GBV head-on
One thing that characterized Rwanda in the past was discrimination and group targeted violence. From a government that segregated against its own people because of who they were, denying them rights to their motherland, and later perpetrating extermination; to various other similar atrocities which were being orchestrated nationwide.
Rape for instance was used as a weapon Protection Unit’ was established, which in Rwanda with forensic department and to torture and murder Tutsi women during was upgraded to ‘Gender Desk’ in 2005 forensic specialists. The center is accessed the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This and later in 2011, upgraded it to a fully- by men, women, children, nationals and segregation and group targeting violence fledged ‘Directorate of Anti-GBV and Child non nationals and offers a comprehensive was not just directed at the Tutsi section of Protection’ to comprehensively investigate package of services that are much needed the community who were kept out of their cases of SGBV and conduct mass campaigns as an effort to prevent and curb the vice. own country and those inside tormented to fight and prevent the scourge. In 2009, It provides free referral and specialized each day; but was rooted within the fabric however, RNP recognized the need to have services like medico-legal, gynecology of the nation with Sexual and Gender Based a holistic package of services in one place and obstetrics, mental health, legal and Violence (SGBV) escalating year on with to reduce on the costs and time spent by investigation, psychosocial, safe room and particularly women and girls considered victims before accessing services and for social integration services. Survivors, who and treated as second class citizens who timely justice, thus establishing of ‘Isange stay in the safe room, receive basic services had lesser rights compared to their male One Stop Centre’ at Kacyiru Police Hospital. like feeding, clothing and shelter. counterparts. The word ‘Isange’ is a Kinyarwanda word The impact of Isange can therefore be RNP in 2001 realized the need for a special literally meaning “feel at home”. The Isange easily noticed, with the centre currently desk to comprehensively investigate cases services have been scaled up to all he receiving approximately six cases daily. of SGBV and to conduct mass campaigns thirty district hospitals across the country. Isange has so far received about 7, 000 cases as a preventive mechanism. A ‘Child and Kacyiru Police Hospital is the only one related to SGBV since its establishment.
Service Protection Intergrity
22 June 2014 Issue 41 www.hope-mag.com
The centre scooped the United Nations women empowerment, department for been given a high table position with Public Service Award (UNPSA) 2012 for services that protect mother to child HIV the current 20 percent of the force being its efforts in fighting Sexual and Gender transmission and Isange OSC a facility female and striving towards achieving the Based Violence (SGBV). The award dubbed where survivors of SGBV and child abuse government recommended minimum of “Promoting Gender Responsive Delivery” are given holistic care. 30 percent. This increase in female staff of Public Services was in recognition of the In December 2011, the Rwanda National has contributed strongly to handling GBV success of the sange. UNPSA is the most Police in collaboration with Rwanda cases as most victims are comfortable prestigious international recognition of Defence Forces (RDF) and Rwanda lamenting their plight to policewomen excellence in public service. Correctional services (RCS) organized than men. a two-day conference dubbed ‘Kigali In the same spirit, RNP annually organizes Quick service delivery and the level of International Conference (KIC)’. It was a conference that brings together all reporting increased tremendously, an aimed at enhancing strategies to end policewomen from around the country to indication that the public, especially violence against women and girls in the address their issues directly to the body’s women, girls and children are much region. top command.
To further support the creation of a favorable environment for female police staff, RNP designed an approach that allows married members to work in close proximity with their families. Women in the police force have played a vital role in the reconstruction of not only Rwanda’s conflict torn community but also have benefited numerous other war torn countries like South Sudan among others. The United Nation ranked Rwanda the 2nd contributor of female police staff to its peacekeeping missions. These policewomen, while away, help train their counterparts in respective countries on best practices in the fight to eliminate GBV used in Rwanda.
But besides the mechanisms of RNP to fight against SGBV, the police body has in Empowering female police officers has also been a proactive spirit established community given a high table position with the current 20 percent of systems that help guard against the bane. the force being female and striving towards achieving the Such include community policing which government recommended minimum of 30 percent. counts over 80,000 members to date, and Anti-crime clubs in schools to help detect gender based violence in early stages. Towards the same end, RNP set aside an informed about their rights services The post-conference activities led to the annual anti-GBV week during which time rendered. It has also become a learning establishment of the Kigali International the Rwandan community is sensitized and centre for university students –interns – as Conference Declaration (KICD) assented to mobilized on issues concerning gender part of their bachelors’ degree and also by 34 African countries with a secretariat based violence. a guide to regional countries and Police in Kigali. This culminated into the forces in particular on how to combat establishment of Africa Center for Security This forward looking spirit of a police force SGBV. Through advocacy and networking Organisations Coordination of Action to that can secure Rwandans as the country with Global Fund, the First Lady Madam end Violence Against Women and Girls pursues its development agenda is what Jeannette Kagame was able to put in (AFSOCCA-VAWG) with headquarters informs the continued development of the place infrastructures covering different in Kigali, the construction of which was police force. Today, the security organ is suitable services for women at Kacyiru launched by the UN secretary General moving towards creating modern police Police Hospital like Women pavilion Ban Ki Moon. Empowering female police posts across the country in efforts to get (maternity ward), project to support officers through constant training has also services closer to the community.
Service Protection Intergrity
www.hope-mag.com 23 21 days of MTN’s Y’ello Care A perfect model of sustained outreach
Staff assisting a student down the slide donated by MTN to improve childhood development.”
Exclusively however, the last three MTN staff training teachers years have seen more focus on the individual pride to all MTN staff; for development of quality education for contributing to improving the lives of our all, as MTN Rwanda staff engaged in hen he was announcing communities.”If it at all communicates various CSR activities under the theme, MTN Rwanda’s partnership anything, Mr. Asante’s statement emphasizes “Investing in education for all”. By with Wikimedia, the owner MTN Group’s flagship Corporate Social the time this year’s 21 Days of Y’ello of the world’s leading responsibility undertaking, 21 Days of Care came to end, MTN staff had set online encyclopedia Y’ello care. up Childhood Development facilities Wikipedia,W MTN’s CEO, Ebenezer Asante in 20 schools, trained teachers and said “I only had a chance to use a computer During the course of the three weeks, learners in ICT and established digital on my first job while at the time elsewhere MTN staff literally work from and with content and libraries for Universities. in the world; these devices were being the surrounding communities where the used by all learners. company has operations and in Rwanda Over 500 learners and 200 teachers in just like in any other country where high schools benefited from ICT training So making a contribution to easing access the telecommunications company has offered by MTN staff in collaboration to the global chunk of knowledge not presence, the 21 days have been set aside with the Rwanda Education Board. The only makes business sense but also brings on MTN’s annual calendar since 2006. company’s staff also conducted training
24 June 2014 Issue 41 in cloud computing and virtualisation with off with this year’s 21 days of supporting to join hands with the community and university students across the country. development and social wellbeing among work towards a common goal. The gesture Professors and students alike will be Rwandans. Like this year, the 21 Days of the move makes for the community and able to access these virtual servers Y’ello Care theme in 2012 and 2013 was particularly the youngsters cannot be via remote connections. The focus on ‘Investing in Education For all’ while in valued, as they get the opportunity to strengthening ICT consciousness among work with the best in their communities Rwanda’s young generation goes hand in thus building their (children) confidence hand with MTN’s current drive towards in a possibility for a better tomorrow. delivering a bold new digital world to The objectives of our its customers and further contributing volunteer programme MTN’s support in the education sector towards closing the digital divide in are to make a visible and over the last three years is recorded at local communities. sustained contribution to Rwf359,357,645 where activities like our society in which we giving scholarships to allow access to operate and provide an Also this year, MTN staff put together opportunity for MTN staff quality education for 100 underprivileged over Rwf21 million which is to be used to actively contribute to secondary school going children, building in supporting underprivileged children community development,” computer labs where more than 540 who because of circumstance, dropped computers have been distributed in 15 out of school due to insufficient funds. schools across the country and connected But besides the usual CSR, ‘stage a show
MTN Rwanda CEO, Ebenezer Asante, handing over study material MTN Staff enjoying a game of Volleyball with students to one of the winners of the ICT Essay Competition and get publicity’ orientation, MTN’s 2011 it was ‘Fight against Malaria’. In more than 12,500 students and 842 teachers 21 Days of Y’ello Care has something 2013 MTN managed to set up nursery on broadband internet to leverage ICT in special; the element of sustainability facilities in 10 schools across the country, Education predominantly in rural parts and community capacity building. To the installed water harvesting facilities in of Rwanda, and enhancing access to above, the MTN Group and particularly 5 primary/secondary schools across the information through programs such Tunga the Rwandan operation, besides regular country, produced and distributed 500 TV. Besides contributing in education, give away of support on various occasions, school desks for nursery, primary and MTN’s CSR activities are equally directed takes pride in the sustainable manner secondary schools and renovated 10 into economic empowerment and health with which it engages in sectors like schools across the country mostly those projects. Over Rwf49,180,000 has been education and health among others. affected by heavy rain. For 2013 alone, spent in these areas for the last three years. activities carried during the 21 days of “The objectives of our volunteer Y’ello care cost over Rwf45 million. The projects indicated are just part of programme are to make a visible and the larger engagement that MTN has sustained contribution to our society However most impacting than the financial in supporting communities in which it in which we operate and provide an involvement is the human undertaking operates. Every year, the company allocates opportunity for MTN staff to actively where otherwise well-to-do members of 1 percent of its pre-tax profits to the MTN contribute to community development,” the community like MTN’s management Foundation, which manages the brand’s Asante clarified as the company kicked and staff, take time off their busy schedules Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
www.hope-mag.com 25 Getting Electricity HAPPY LIBERATION DAY SERENA HOTELS
DOING BUSINESS REFORMS
What you need to know about reforms in doing business
26 June 2014 Issue 41 Getting Electricity DOING BUSINESS REFORMS
SPECIAL FEATURE
Kisementi is one of the upcoming business centres in the outskirts of Kigali City
acilitating the setting up and operation of Small and Medium Starting a business Enterprises (SMEs), is a key building block for achieving sustainable Mandatory Online registration acquisition of certificate of development which will propel of all companies in Kigali. registration through client’s email FRwanda into achieving the envisioned account reducing procedures middle income status come the year Resulting Impact: from 2 to 1. 2020. Small and Medium Enterprises XXRemoval of costs for companies are considered the key development XX Reduction of registration registered online from 15,000 units for economies and are responsible time from 1day to less than Rwf to zero cost for creating over 90 percent of jobs on 6 hours. the African continent according to the African Development Bank. XXBusinesses registered online are 58% of total registered Resulting Impact: Business enablers that have, since business. the year 2005, been designed and XX90% of total businesses have XX58% of businesses registered implemented in Rwanda are responsible been registered online since do not pay any registration fees. for milestones such as the easy business reforms began in February 2014. XX100% of companies registered in registration process where an entity is XX100% of companies in Kigali Kigali do not pay any registration registered online in less than 6 hours are registered online. o Automatic fees and freely.
www.hope-mag.com 27 HAPPY LIBERATION DAY
DOING BUSINESS REFORMS
Issuing construction permits has been simplified after going online Secur- ing a construction permit is considered as one of the most celebrated steps for everyone who wants to construct a building.
Dealing with Construction permits
Procedures were reduced from (building set out Resulting Impact: 13 to 4. Below are the four and excavation also inspected new streamlined procedures. at this point) (1day); Reduced time, from 104 days to 1) Apply online for the building less than 20 days Removal of 4) Receive final inspection permit, environmental impact costs for obtaining a freehold and obtain occupancy permit assessment and connection title from 743,200 frw to zero and freehold title (online) to utilities (water electricity cost. The fee was as a result of (3 days) and telephone) (20 days); the initial requirement to pay Application of freehold title has ten year lease fees in order to 2) Receive a joint site been merged with application acquire a freehold title. Ease inspection to process the for occupancy permit for of information on development above clearances (1 day); developers have successfully rights- Free access by public to 3) Receive foundation inspection completed construction. the City Master Plan online
28 June 2014 Issue 41 SPECIAL FEATURE
Getting electricity Electricity supply XXReduced electricity connectivity time by 50%. From and connection is very 30 days to 15 days for projects owned by companies and important in the country’s maximum 2 days for projects owned by individuals. development because it comes with XXRemoval of study fees (9 USD for residential and 45 USD multiple business opportunities for Medium and large industry) and deposit fee of 23 USD. for the general population and the XXConnectivity Within 1 km of grid –> free of charge Electricity Roll-out Programme is XXConnectivity Within 1km-5.3km –> Flat fee of Rwf 20 determined to continue extending Million frw electricity to more households XXConnectivity Beyond 5.3 km –> Rwf 20 Million for every year every km Registering Property
XX24 districts have been connected to the Land Administration and Information System (LAIS) of Rwanda Natural Resources Authority in order to ease land title transfers. This will reduce the time and procedures. XXAll districts in Kigali have been connected to LAIS. XXLand services have been decentralized from the District to the Sector level. This will shorten procedures and time. XXLand notary offices have been set up at the Sector level to facilitate and streamline services hence reducing time for property registration
www.hope-mag.com 29 HAPPY LIBERATION DAY
DOING BUSINESS REFORMS
XXThe number of individuals and corporates listed Getting credit in the private credit bureau increased from 1,119,918 in June 2013 to 1,346,147 in May 2014; thereby increasing the coverage from 17.2% to 20.6% in May 2014. Concerning the public credit registry, the number of individuals and corporates listed in the registry increased from 139,582 in June 2013 to 289,958 in May 2014 thereby increasing the coverage from 2.1% to 4.4%. XXAmendment of the tax procedure law article 51 removing tax debts priority in case of insolvency and harmonizing with the insolvency law where the secured creditor is given priority over tax. XXInsolvency law was amended to include a provision providing for grounds for relief from stay.
Protecting investors
XXCompany law in its articles 7 and 8 imposes an fines to directors who fail to declare any conflict obligation on directors to immediately disclose of interest. interests in a transaction to the board and XXInvestors, especially minority shareholders, have shareholders been given increased protection by granting them XXCompany Law has been amended to provide for rights to request and obtain any document that administrative sanctions including administrative may lead to discovery of information during trial.
Paying taxes
Rollout of a Mobile Declaration and mobile payment of taxes facility was done country wide for all small tax payers. Resulting Impact:
XXDeclaration has risen to 70% compliance for XXsmall tax payers. XXE-filing and e-payment of taxes has also been extended from large and medium to small tax payers.
30 June 2014 Issue 41 SPECIAL FEATURE
Trading Across borders
A single customs territory in EAC was implemented in March 2014, starting with the northern corridor. Resulting Impact; 1,451 declarations of consignments XXo 140 companies benefited from the reforms. XXo Reduction in time from 26 days to 6 days XXo Reduction in importation cost from 4,990 US$ per container to 3,208 US$
Enforcing Contracts Resolving Insolvency
XXReduction in time from 230 days in DB XX71 cases of foreclosure were received. 13 have 2014 Report to 73 days on average (14 days been concluded and 58 are on-going. 4 cases of of filing/service and 59 days for trial and insolvency were registered in the commercial judgment) courts from June 2013 to May 2014
www.hope-mag.com 31 Easier registration of securities, EasierEasier registration access to ofcredit securities, EasierApproach your bank or microfinanceaccess institution to get tocredit. Yourcredit bank or microfinance institution will then Easierregister your securities on yourregistration behalf at RDB in order to facilitate you. of securities, Approach your bank or microfinance institution to get credit. Your bank or microfinance institution will then registerBEFORE: your securities on your behalf at RDB in order to facilitate you. Easier• Client goes to the Bank access to negotiate for credit/loan to credit BEFORE:• Bank accepts and draws requirements for client as well as contract Approach your bank or microfinance institution to get credit. Your bank or microfinance institution will then • •Client Client goes puts to the together Bank to all negotiate requirements for credit/loan and goes to RDB to register security register your securities on your behalf at RDB in order to facilitate you. • •Bank RDB accepts presents and draws certificate requirements of security/mortgage for client as well registration as contract to client • Client puts together all requirements and goes to RDB to register security • Client takes certificate to the Bank which proceeds to provide him with credit • BEFORE:RDB presents certificate of security/mortgage registration to client
• • ClientClient takes goes certificate to the Bank to the to negotiateBank which for proceedscredit/loan to provide him with credit •NOW: Bank accepts and draws requirements for client as well as contract NOW:• ClientClient puts approaches together all Bank requirements to negotiate and loan,goes presentto RDB to loan regist requirementser security and sign contracts with • • ClientRDBthe approaches bank presents certificate Bank to negotiate of security/mortgage loan, present registration loan requirements to client and sign contracts with • the ClientBankbank takesdelegated certificate official to the submits Bank whichall requirements proceeds to providefor security/mortgage him with credit registration at RDB • Bankand delegated picks certificate. official submits all requirements for security/mortgage registration at RDB NOW:•and Bank picks certificate.replenishes client’s account and contacts client to ask them to pick a copy of the • Client approaches Bank to negotiate loan, present loan requirements and sign contracts with • Bankcertificate replenishes client’s account and contacts client to ask them to pick a copy of the certificatethe bank • Bank delegated official submits all requirements for security/mortgage registration at RDB and picks certificate. • Bank replenishes client’s account and contacts client to ask them to pick a copy of the certificate UburyoUburyo bworoshye bworoshye bwo bwo kwandikishakwandikisha ingwate ingwate UburyoUburyoUburyo bworoshye bworoshye bworoshye bwo bwo bwo kugerakwandikisha ku nguzanyo ingwate Uburyokugera bworoshyeku nguzanyo bwo • •Gana Gana banki banki yawe yawe cyangwa cyangwa ikigo cy’imari ikigo cy’imari kugira ngokugira ubone ngo inguzanyo. ubone inguzanyo. Banki cyangwa Banki ikigo cyangwa ikigo cy’imari cyawe kizahita cyandika ingwate yawe kuri RDB (ikigo cy’igihugu gishinzwe iterambere) cy’imari cyawe kizahita cyandika ingwate yawe kuri RDB (ikigo cy’igihugu gishinzwe iterambere) kugerakugira ngo bakorohereze. ku nguzanyo kugira ngo bakorohereze. MBERE:• Gana banki yawe cyangwa ikigo cy’imari kugira ngo ubone inguzanyo. Banki cyangwa ikigo • MBERE:Umukiriyacy’imari ajya cyawe kuri kizahita banki gusabacyandika inguzanyo ingwate yawe kuri RDB (ikigo cy’igihugu gishinzwe iterambere) • •Banki kugiraUmukiriya ikemwemerera, ngo bakorohereze. ajya kuri ikanamuha banki gusaba ibisabwa inguzanyo ndetse n’amasezerano • •Umukiriya Banki yegeranyaikemwemerera, ibisabwa ikanamuha byose akajya ibisabwa kwandikisha ndetse ingwate n’amasezerano kuri RDB • MBERE:•RDB Umukiriya ishyikiriza yegeranyaumukiriya icyemezo ibisabwa cy’uko byose yandikishije akajya kwandikisha ingwate ingwate kuri RDB • Umukiriya ajya kuri banki gusaba inguzanyo • •Umukiriya RDB ishyikiriza ajyana icyemezo umukiriya kuri bankiicyemezo kugirango cy’uko imuhe yandikishije inguzanyo ingwate • Banki ikemwemerera, ikanamuha ibisabwa ndetse n’amasezerano • Umukiriya ajyana icyemezo kuri banki kugirango imuhe inguzanyo • Umukiriya yegeranya ibisabwa byose akajya kwandikisha ingwate kuri RDB UBU • RDB ishyikiriza umukiriya icyemezo cy’uko yandikishije ingwate UBU • • UmukiriyaUmukiriya agana ajyana banki icyemezo m’ugusaba kuri inguzanyo, banki kugirango agatanga imuhe ibisabwa inguzanyo kugirango ahabwe inguzanyo akanashyira umukono ku masezerano agiranye na banki • Umukiriya agana banki m’ugusaba inguzanyo, agatanga ibisabwa kugirango ahabwe inguzanyo akanashyira • UBUUhagarariye banki yohereza ibisabwa byose kuri RDB kugira ngo handikwe ingwate, akanafata icyemezo umukono ku masezerano agiranye na banki • Banki yongera kuzuza konti y’umukiriya ikanamuhamagara kugira ngo afate kopi y’icyemezo. •• UmukiriyaUhagarariye agana banki banki yohereza m’ugusaba ibisabwa inguzanyo, byose agatanga kuri RDB ibisabwa kugira kugirango ngo handikwe ahabwe ingwate, inguzanyo akanafata akanashyira icyemezo • umukonoBanki yongera ku masezerano kuzuza kontiagiranye y’umukiriya na banki ikanamuhamagara kugira ngo afate kopi y’icyemezo. • Uhagarariye banki yohereza ibisabwa byose kuri RDB kugira ngo handikwe ingwate, akanafata icyemezo For details about these new reforms and many more, please write to doing [email protected] or visit www.rdb.rw • Banki yongera kuzuza konti y’umukiriya ikanamuhamagara kugira ngo afate kopi y’icyemezo. For details about these new reforms and many more, please write to doing [email protected] or visit www.rdb.rw www.rdb.rwFor details about these new reforms and many more, please write to doing [email protected] or visit www.rdb.rw www.rdb.rw www.rdb.rw
Skol Lager; everything that Rwandans like in a beer
Stories that Rwandans like drinking are popular talk but while many people would love to send down the day’s dust in a beer gulp, very few enjoy the aftermath of the drinking; the hangovers and the horrible smell all thereafter.
arket intelligence like Skol Lager is packed in a 50cl bottle, “This beer is a product of extensive this is what yielded Skol has an alcohol beverage content of 5% market research which intended to Brewery Limited’s (SBL) and is now available on the Rwandan develop a product that many Rwandans most recent addition market at only Rwf600. would love and enjoy drinking. onM the market, Skol Lager. Built light, smooth, crisp, and easy drinking, Mark Mugarura is SBL’s Marketing After acquiring the market intelligence, Skol Lager is by far the only beer on Director. He says that the new Skol we developed a number of recipes the Rwandan market that a thirsty Lager comes to affirm the company’s which were tested and tasted yielding drinker can gulp down in a swallow presence in the country and increase this new Lager and without doubt I to gain the refreshment they deserve its customer base by giving Rwandans believe that majority Rwandans will after a long working day. what they want and deserve. enjoy it since their tastes created it.”
Rayon Sport’s Ntampaka Theogene receives the away Jazzy from Skol’s General Manager Wulffaert Ivan.
36 June 2014 Issue 41 www.hope-mag.com
To further enhance the fun that sports SBL’s sponsorship of Rayon Sport for fans will have while sipping from Skol the next three years is both in terms Lager, Mugarura shared that during of soccer equipment from the wears the World Cup games, a promotion to the balls the team will use over the which involves consumers collecting period, and financial support which the tournament coupons placed on will see the club receive close to Euros the back of the bottles, taking pictures 50,000 every year for the three years. with them and sharing these on SBL’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/ skolrwanda. The photos that get the most likes will What is win prizes every week including balls, sunglasses, and watches, among many contained in Skol other rewards. Skol becomes the lead Lager is a beer recipe sponsor of Rayon Football Club. that correlates with Equally, the sports look of the new the demands of beer beer further tells volumes about SBL’s lovers in Rwanda. choice to associate it with Rwanda’s All that we did as most popular sports club, Rayon Sport Football Club (RSFC), with which the SBL was to give the beverage company signed a three year people what they sponsorship deal. Mr. Mugarura added that Skol want.” Lager is simply a collection of the things Rwandans love in beer, all presented in one bottle.
“What is contained in Skol Lager is a beer recipe that correlates with the demands of beer lovers in Rwanda. All that we did as SBL was to give the people what they want.” Besides the easy drinking aspect however, Skol Lager also comes in a brown bottle branded all in yellow to give it a youthful and energetic look that none has ever had in Rwanda.
The look is what distinguishes Skol Lager as a sports beer exuding the energy, refreshment, and fun only characteristic of sports. This also explains SBL’s launching of the beer at a time when Rwanda and the globe alike, are enjoying the biggest soccer tournament, the World Cup.
Mark Mugarura, during a press briefing at the lauch of Skol Lager
www.hope-mag.com 37 “We want to support the growth a long lasting relationship that we biggest companies is going to boost of Rayon Sport into a formidable believe will facilitate the creation of a the quality of players at the club and soccer team not just in Rwanda but professionally managed and financially thereby facilitate the improvement in the East African Region,” SBL’s viable business for the club.” of the quality of football for the team statement about the sponsorship Skol’s support already bearing fruits in but will trickle down to benefit the reads in part. Rayon’s management. country’s soccer in general. To emphasise what SBL intends to With the deal signed for Skol to be Rayon achieve by supporting RSFC, the Sport’s main partner for the next three “With this partnership, first the team company’s General Manager Ivan years, the team is already optimistic at will be dressed in the standard way Wulffaert while launching Skol what they will be able to achieve from giving players confidence in the first Lager said, the new sponsorship. place while at the same allowing a good impression with the opponent “Our partnership with Rayon In a word with the Club’s President club in case of a match. And with the Sport is not a short lived one Theogene Ntampaka, he offered that finances that will come from this but rather an endeavor to build the new support from one of Rwanda’s sponsorship, we will at least have the
From right -Rayon Sport’s President Ntampaka Theogene and Acting Marketing Manager Gakwaya Olivier at the event to officially sign partnership with Skol Beer Limited
38 June 2014 Issue 41 www.hope-mag.com
Our partnership with Rayon Sport is not a short lived one but rather an endeavor to build a long lasting relationship that we believe will facilitate the creation of a
From left- Rayon Sport’s Ntampaka Theogene and Skol’s General Manager Wulffaert Ivan professionally managed during a recent press briefing and financially viable business for the club.” Quick facts about Skol Brewery Limited capacity to recruit new talent and subsidiary of Belgium based sustain those we have in good Unibra which has exclusive conditions.” rights for producing and • SBL begun operations in selling the Skol brand in Rwanda in 2010 and in just Africa. less than four years, the beverage company is closing • Currently, the brand is in on the 25% market share present in 10 countries on target it set to achieve in a the African continent but five year period. the dream is to grow a Pan African beer brand which The company’s products would be enjoyed in every include; part of the region. - Skol Malt • Besides Africa, Skol beer - Gatanu brand is present across the - Gatanu Panache globe, Asia, the America’s, - Virunga Mist Europe, and is the most popular beer in Brazi, the - Skol Lager host country for this year’s - Skol cans. World Cup; thus a sip of Skol Lager is a taste of Brazil’s and • Skol Beer Limited is a consequently
www.hope-mag.com 39 The management and staff of DAVIS AND SHIRTLIFF wish all Rwandans a happy 20th National Liberation Day
Welcome to
Unique shopping experience for your roofing sheets
The management and staff of SAFINTRA RWANDA LIMITED wish all Rwandans a Happy 20th National Liberation Day
Remera-Kimironko Road, Next to BANK OF KIGALI, REMERA BRANCH, REMERA, KIGALI, Mob:0788389558 Kenya Ports Authority Kigali Liaison Office Guarantees world-class service to Rwandan traders For a country like Rwanda, with no access to the continent’s massive water bodies, finding possible solutions to ease the movement of goods to and from it is vital to boosting trade.
ut yet still, the distance that The port has as its core services; 2013.This was in line with our promise exists between the country and of having representation in Rwanda and the closest ports is long, hence Safe navigation, Pilotage, Berthing, Mooring, Burundi to cater for the business community Ba need for added facilities if Pollution control, Stevedoring, Shore in these countries and the neighboring DRC. trade in the country especially export is handling, and Storage services When we launched on July 19th 2013, we to be increased to more volumes. Particularly for cargo owners, the Port offers meant business and we have endeavored As a member of the East African a wide range of shipping services to key to grow the businesses and enrich the Community, Rwanda is served largely destinations around the world. Our major lives of all the people in the region. As through the Port of Mombasa on Kenya’s markets comprise Western Europe, Asia, Far our cargo volumes grow year on year we coastline and thus improving access East, the Americas and the rest of Africa. are transforming our infrastructure and to the facilities of the port, is vital in There are regular feeder services between processes to cope with the increased facilitating local import and export. Mombasa and Dar- Es- Salaam, Durban, demand from our customers. In the past few Mogadishu, Djibouti, Salalah and Dubai. months we have already achieved much but The need to bring the services of the there is much more to come. port closer to Rwandan traders and The Rwanda Office consequently use this ground to reach On 31st January this Year, we opened the out to traders in other parts like Eastern The KPA Kigali Liaison office targets to Burundi office, the third of our liaison Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya facilitate the import and export business in offices. The dredging programme was Port’s Authority (KPA) approximately a Rwanda by co-coordinating all KPA activities completed to enable larger vessels to year ago opened a liaison office in Kigali. from Kigali. We have brought the Port of call at our berths, We have opened Berth To understand the impact that the office Mombasa closer to you and we are offering No. 19 to increase our annual container has had on trade and to establish the customer support services in documentation, handling capacity to a quarter of a million services on offer, Hope met up with the invoicing, payment and cargo tracking for (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units(teu) and we Country Representative (Rwanda) Ms. imports and exports of consignments that have started work on the second container Cynthia Kamau, who expounded on these are at the Port. terminal and the megaport project in points and many more. Excerpts follow. From our office located at the 6th Floor of Lamu. The Single Customs Territory on the Grand Pension Plaza in Kigali, We have the Northern Corridor went live on March HOPE: Briefly tell us about KPA and the made it easier to import and export through 15th this year and certainly with every new role of the Rwanda liaison office? Mombasa and you can now get real time system there are bound to be some teething one- on -one customer support in clearing problems. By holding regular consultative KPA: Kenya Ports Authority is the biggest and paying for your consignments because meetings with Port customers and other Port in the region with a network of we are directly connected to Mombasa, stakeholders we have been able to ensure Liaison offices in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the other regional offices and are able that cargo clearance is fast tracked using & Burundi. The Authority’s mandate is to therefore to facilitate whenever one is stuck. this new system and all issues are attended maintain, operate, improve and regulate to in real time. all scheduled sea ports situated along HOPE: The liaison office in Kigali is a year Kenya’s coastline. Other ports include old now. Tell us about your experience so HOPE: What does KPA’S presence in Kigali Lamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, far? mean for the region, has there been any Shimoni, Funzi and Vanga. It is only the improvement in Trade? Port of Mombasa which is fully developed KPA: At a turning point in the History of with modern equipment hence making it the region, The Port of Mombasa opened a KPA: The Port of Mombasa’s vital role in the principal port in the region. second Liaison office in Kigali on July 19th the transport network of East Africa cannot
44 June 2014 Issue 41 www.hope-mag.com
Rwanda Transit trade has been growing will open up the potential of the proposed at rate of 9% each year. Transit trade is free trade zone at Dongo Kundu. By posi- benefitting from two government measures tioning ourselves in Rwanda and Burundi, to improve the flow of trade from the Port we want our customers in these countries of Mombasa, All cargo clearance by various to know that we value and appreciate them government agencies are now co-ordinated and are determined to deliver world class by KPA and all customs decisions are now services to them. finalized in Mombasa rather than being referred to Nairobi. Port business has revolutionized and to remain competitive in any business, you HOPE: How has the Liaison office assisted have to give excellent service and be flexible Cynthia Kamau KPA’s Representative to mitigate costs? in your dealings with the Customers. We are (Rwanda) therefore open to situations that require KPA: By having a Liaison office in Rwanda, innovative solutions so as to safeguard be over emphasized. It serves a region all KPA activities on documentation and trade and so we encourage feedback from of over 120 million people and handles cargo tracking are now being co-ordinated our customers and partnering stakeholders cargo to Southern Sudan, Uganda, from Kigali and clients can even make on where we need to improve to serve Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic payments for Port charges in Kigali. This the transit customers better. We assure of Congo and Tanzania. has eased the cargo clearance process and our customers of our continuos dedicated KPA’s presence in Kigali is a true importers and exporters do not have to commitment in giving excellent world class representation of a world class sea travel to clear their consignments or make service and we are open to suggestions to port with a regional network of offices payment for Port charges. Also to be more facilitate trade. coordinating activities from the different responsive to customers’ demands and keep Visit our office at countries in the region. abreast with global shipping trends the Kenya Grand Pension Plaza - 6th Floor Ports Authority has teamed up with other key Avenue de la Paix, KN 3 AV P.O. Box 1613 We have brought the services closer to stakeholders to offer 24 hour services at the Kigali, Rwanda or call us on; Kigali and given the region closer access Port of Mombasa. Tel (Landline) : +250 255 11 99 99/91 34 to the Port of Mombasa making it easier This has enhanced efficiency of operations (Mobile ) : +250 735 401 198 and more convenient for the trader and reduced the cargo clearance time hence Email: [email protected] importing or exporting from all over the further reducing costs. Website: www.kpa.co.ke world. Closer integration between East African countries in the form of Trade HOPE: Moving agreements and joint co-operation has forward what further integrated the economies in plans does KPA the region that are served by the Port have to improve of Mombasa, and in so doing fostering service delivery? better business relations and increased trade for the entire region. KPA: The Port of Mombasa has been HOPE: Rwanda is trying to increase adapting to growth the exports, has there been any of volumes by mak- improvement on trade resulting from ing a major invest- having a liaison office on ground? ment programme involving Kenya KPA: Yes most certainly, the Tea auctions and much of East in Mombasa have increased the market Africa. for Rwandan tea exports and trade through the Mombasa Port. The vast More change is majority of food stuffs, vehicles, iron, coming, construc- steel and petroleum products that are tion of the stan- imported or exported in the region dard gauge railway are handled through Mombasa. The line to Nairobi has throughput is growing by as much as 10% started and will and extensive measures are being taken transform the effi- to improve the capacity of the existing ciency of the Port; infrastructure as well as enhancing construction of the transport links to carry cargo out of the southern by-pass port as quickly as possible. will start soon and
www.hope-mag.com 45 WEATHERGUARD EXTREME EMULSION
FIELD OF APPLICATION
• For exterior use only. Surface must be clean, dry and free of loose material.
• Apply 1 coat Penetrating Primer, followed by 2 full coats of weatherguard Extreme Emulsion.
• Allow 4 hours between coats.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Finish Low sheen
Application By brush, roler or airless spray
Thinning and Use clean tap water Mixing
Equipment Clean equipment with water cleaning • Stain Resistant Drying Time 4 hours Brilliant white and pastel shades. • Contains flouro surfactants Colour Range Other shades on request • Does not fade Spreading 8m2 per litre at 40 micron DFT • Long lasting Capacity
Pack Sizes 4L, 20L
Colour Your World
SADOLIN PAINTS (RWANDA) LTD, Avenue de Nyabugogo, Muhima B.P. 3414 Kigali - Rwanda, Tel: +252 504446, Email: [email protected] FIELD OF APPLICATION
• For exterior use only. Surface must be clean, dry and free of loose material.
• Apply 1 coat Penetrating Primer, followed by 2 full coats of weatherguard Extreme Emulsion.
• Allow 4 hours between coats.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Finish Low sheen
Application By brush, roler or airless spray
Thinning and Use clean tap water Mixing
Equipment Clean equipment with water cleaning
Drying Time 4 hours
Brilliant white and pastel shades. Colour Range Other shades on request
Spreading 8m2 per litre at 40 micron DFT Capacity
Pack Sizes 4L, 20L Bio Medical Centre Cherishing contribution to Rwanda’s health Looking back at 1994 and the few years that followed, the health sector, one of the most important sectors of the country, was no different in terms of chaos from any of the other sectors.
We want to develop world class services of tests and diagnosis, polyclinic services that address would general medical procedures, and medical imaging which would include services like scanning, ultra imaging; all of which will be done on international standards utilizing the best technology available on the market today.”
Dr. Alphonse Karagirwa Director Bio Medical Center With strong partners in the industry, the BMC founder assures that they are positioned to do all medical tests and he challenge of insufficient health “Looking at this gap, we determined to diagnoses. “Those infections that we may professionals to cater for the play a role in addressing the challenges not have the necessary equipment and many wounded bodies and spirits, in medical diagnosis no matter how small. expertise to test and detect, we send to the poor equipment that were in We knew what we wanted to achieve and our partners around the world eventually T ensuring that any tests can be administered many of the hospitals, was a bottleneck to we resolved to do something,” he says. the sector. But inasmuch as there remain Now twelve years later, Dr. Karagirwa is in Rwanda without a patient having to go challenges in the industry, the journey of confident to say that as an individual and through the trouble of travelling abroad.” the last twenty years has been nothing the institution he founded, they have made short of amazing. tangible contribution to Rwanda’s journey oing forward, BMC is determined to developing a professional competent to improve its services even For the Biomedical Centre (BMC), the health sector to steward the health of more to respond to the growing institution’s contribution to the sector Rwandans. Ghealth needs of Rwandans. has mainly been in the area of medical “We want to develop world class services diagnosis and testing which was On a personal level, Karagirwa has of tests and diagnosis, polyclinic services undeveloped in the days leading to 1994 engaged in capacity building endeavors that address would general medical and shortly after. This meant that even transferring what he knows to others so procedures, and medical imaging which some of the infections that had lasted for that they can reach more people. This has would include services like scanning, long in Rwanda remained unknown or enabled the country increase the number ultra imaging; all of which will be done interpreted by superstitious minds hence of professional health service providers on international standards utilizing the challenging the health of Rwandans in the fields of diagnosis and other best technology available on the market who depended on the competence of specialized cases. today.” professional doctors and the ability of the as an institution, BMC has not only reduced sector to cater for them. the need for people to fly tests abroad in Dr. Karagirwa acknowledges that had order to ascertain the medical procedures it not been the austerity and of post For instance according to Dr. Alphonse for treating particular patients but also genocide Rwanda’s visionary leadership, Karagirwa the founder of BMC, sicknesses has relentlessly made efforts to ensuring nothing he and the rest of the country like viral hepatitis had for long gone that Rwandans have access to world class count as achievements today would have undetected and thus poorly tended to. health services enjoyed elsewhere. been possible.
48 June 2014 Issue 41
The management and staff of Celebrating years of UPROTUR GROUP LIMITED Liberation wish all Rwandans a Happy 20 20th National Liberation Day
UPROFOAM Matelas now open in Free Trade Zone
RS 1: 2004
RS 1: 2004 Happy Liberation’s Day The management and staff of SINA GÉRARD wish all Rwandans a Happy 20th National Liberation Day
The only Choice to AKABANGA AKARUSHO PiriPiri Boost your health Grape Wine SINA Gérard ESE URWIBUTSO
Since 1983 Eterprise urwibutso has recorded success to produce the Finest variety of Products like;- Agasha Passion Fruit, Strwaberry juice, Akarusho grape wine and fruit beer, Akarabo Biscuits, Red and Yellow Paper Akabanga, Ese Urwibutso products are available in all shops and supermarkets countrywide and now accessible in all EAC regions
Nyirangarama Eco-Tourism (NET) By Urwibutso Enterprise International Maritime Agency Rwanda Offering all-round logistical solutions Moving goods across borders and particularly overseas can be a very demanding job especially because of the paper work involved and the trips it requires one to make.
ut that may be and indeed is only “When to bring us into the equation The service in view is IMA’s groupage facility so because the duties are done by depends on the customers own needs. But where small scale exporters are sensitized people with limited knowledge of we can come in at as early as the point to join together and fill up a container other Bwhat the processes require or even for seeking a visa to travel abroad and than a single trader having to go through who lack the connections that are needed up to the very last step when the cargo is the trouble of filling a whole container on to make things happen when dealing in unpacked at its final destination,” Anthony their own. import and export business. Hachez, the company’s country manager For close to a decade of presence in Rwanda, commented. Hachez scores that the company has With the International Maritime Agency Besides being freight and forwarding grown both in terms of cargo volume and (IMA) brought on board as transport agency, Hachez adds that IMA also offers improved in the speed it takes to transport partner however, the challenges involved travel agency services that can help units. But he adds that the development is in international freight can be dealt with only a reflection of Rwanda’s own growth smoothly, considering the company’s curve. global presence which gives it a strong Rwanda has developed “Rwanda has developed a lot in the past commanding voice with the various a lot in the past twenty twenty years and this growth has had an institutions that are involved or have a years and this growth has impact on business, increasing both import stake in the success of transporting cargo had an impact on business, and export trade hence our own operations from and to the rest of the world, Rwanda increasing both import and too.” being the principal destination. export trade hence our own operations too.” According to IMA’s commercial manager Having presence on all continents except Philbert Inkindi, the development of the Australia but also where IMA through country and the recent efforts towards the global brand Agence Maritime customers in acquiring the best travel rates regional integration has impacted import Internationale (AMI) is yet to join, the to their business destinations. and export business positively, with costs of International Maritime Agency is the global “For instance in the process of traveling, first transporting relatively reducing over time. partner with which businesses dealing in time travelers often are challenged with He says that the cost of transporting a import and export can count on to ease getting invitation letters to the countries 40ft container has reduced handsomely to their freight and forwarding challenges. of their destination. We assist customers to about US$5300 from over $7000 in the last From the word go when the decision to deal get these through our own-offices present five years alone. in export or import business, IMA can come in many countries across the globe.” in to make matters easier with its over 15 years global experience in transporting But besides moving cargo across the globe, cargo to and from every part of the world. IMA Rwanda also engages in support In Rwanda, the company has been present activities for smaller holder traders mostly for almost a decade, a factor that gives it exporters where the freight agency has the local intelligence to make sure that a developed innovative products to ease customer receives the quality of service exportation hence making an impact on unheard anywhere else. business.
Anthony Hachez, IMA Rwanda Country Manager
www.hope-mag.com 55 TH HAPPY 20 LIBERATION ANNIVERSARY
Security With Professionalism
Electric Security Fences Access Control Systems Home& Office Automatic Gates Automatic Alarm Systems Unarmed Guards & Guards Services Fire Rescue Intervention
Kimihurura, Hotline: 3269 Tel: Office, +250 788304489, P.O. Box 7484 Kigali - Rwanda Email: [email protected] www.topsecinternational.com Ten years of offering unequaled security services After the bush war to liberate Rwanda and give a home to the millions who had been kept off their homeland, many of those who participated in the struggle moved on to another battlefront; one of economic liberation.
fter the bush war to liberate has developed to become a leading Rwanda and give a home to security service provider offering fire the millions who had been rescue interventions, electric security kept off their homeland, fences, automatic gates, guards many of those who par- service, and automatic alarm systems Aticipated in the struggle moved on to among many others. another battlefront; one of economic But the contribution of the security liberation. For Col. Twahirwa Dodo the company also spans over the general Managing Director of Topsec, the most welfare of Rwandans where it has plausible sector where he believed he Col. Twahirwa Dodo, would make a difference and influence Managing Director economic wellbeing of the country was security is the thing security. feature; the company was founded by I know best and I was Rwandans, run by them and benefits The former freedom fighter that is convinced that this is where them above anyone else. This factor numbered among those who fought I would make impact as reiterates the reality that the company to liberate Rwanda, affirms strongly; the country prepared to understands the security needs for any “security is the thing I know best and take off into a new battle of institution in Rwanda and is conversant I was convinced that this is where I liberating the larger public with what is necessary to assure the would make impact as the country customers of maximum service quality. prepared to take off into a new battle from the fangs of poverty of liberating the larger public from that had bitten so deep into As Rwanda celebrates twenty years the fangs of poverty that had bitten so the Rwandan body.” after liberation, Topsec promises even deep into the Rwandan body.” more to their esteemed customers. The company’s General Manager, Founding Topsec in 2004 was been able to support the continued Robert Kashemeza disclosed that they therefore a move aimed at ensuring wellbeing of fellow compatriots. are in later stages of construct a state that there are Rwandan professionals Currently, Topsec employs over 2000 of the art building which will host the who can be charged with responding people, a move that adds strongly into company’s headquarters. He adds to the various security needs of the the general development of Rwanda. that the new premise will boost the country, especially the private sector. Comparing with any security service company’s services to Rwandans as it Ever since its foundation, Topsec providers, Topsec has one special will allow for additional expansion.
Facts about Topsec
• Topsec is a private security company manual alarm system, and electricity security • Core values that govern Topsec are high operating in Rwanda since 2004 and is fences, among others. Also, security services customer satisfaction, highly motivated headquartered in Kimihurura, one of the of guards, fire rescue intervention, and home employees, responsible corporate citi- suburbs of Kigali city. and office protection services are on offer. zens, and talented, skilled security pro- fessionalism. • The services on offer by the company are • At ten years since foundation, Topsec is categorized in security equipment like au- among the leading security service providers • Employee training is undergone regu- tomatic gates, automatic alarm systems, in Rwanda, with over 2000 employees. larly to foster professionalism
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Linking skills development to market needs With an ambitious plan to develop Rwanda as a knowledge-based, service-driven economy, the country’s roadmap to Vision 2020 put emphasis on skills’ development especially increasing technical personnel who would drive industrial growth.
he plan features the creation a link between the needs of the market to the To keep track of the uptake of students of standard technical and skills development programs followed in the and their performance on the job market, vocational education institutions teaching process. According to Eng. Pascal TCT engages in annual research including to produce quality graduates Gatabazi the Principal of IPRC North, the employer satisfaction survey and tracer T institute organizes Technical Advisory Group surveys which establish the level of ready to not only satisfy the skills’ gap on the job market but also to subsequently (TAG) meetings each year where captains of appreciation of the quality of graduates create more employment. various sectors represented in the institute’s released from the College. In the latest of It is the vision to develop sufficient skills education programs come together to discuss these series of surveys, TCT established a that would respond to market needs that the demands of their respective fields and the 97 percent employer satisfaction while 77 resulting into the founding of Tumba kind of people they need to meet those needs. percent of the graduates were found to be College of Technology (TCT) in 2007. either employed, or pursuing higher levels of “From the TAG meetings, we acquire market learning in local and international institutions. In the spirit of improving the quality of intelligence on the prevailing skills needs and 5 percent own enterprises in their various Technical and Vocational Education and in so doing review our curriculum to align it lines of study. Training (TVET), the Government instigated with these demands,” Mr. Gatabazi noted. the IPRC approach where in each province Based on market intelligence collected “If I was to rate the quality of our students of Rwanda; a Regional Polytechnic has from TAG meetings and numerous other on both the local and regional markets, I been established .It is from this back surveys carried out regularly, TCT tailors the would say that we are doing very well,” Emile ground that IPRC North emerged from the curriculum in such a manner that it responds Abayisenga, the Vice Principal IPRC North in former Tumba College of Technology . to the challenges and demands of the market. charge of academics and trainings said. Mr. ABAYISENGA’s conviction is best explained Since its creation seven years ago, TCT “This informed dynamism in the academic tools by the consecutive trophies that TCT has has contributed strongly to increasing used at the college is what has ensured that won from the Robot Contests held in Nairobi the number of skilled professionals in our graduates are easily absorbed by the job Kenya under the support of the Japanese vocational and technical fields in Rwanda market or are in position to create their own International Cooperation Agency (JICA). with the number of graduates from this enterprises immediately after graduation,” Robot Contest is held annually with college now registered at 1745. But beyond the Vice Principal of IPRC North in charge of participants drawn from Technical Institutions imparting learners with technical and Administration and Finance Mrs. Kayisime and Universities in Kenya and other East vocational skills, offers something more; Nzaramba scored. African Countries. Tumba represents Rwanda
Mukamazimpaka and her colleagues building an insect trap in one of TCT’s mechanical laboratories
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solely to the emphasis and value that Rwanda overarching skills deficiencies in the market. has attached to vocational education. Besides the two year long courses which Besides academic projects like that of are classified under the advanced diploma Mukamazimpaka and her colleagues, TCT category, TCT also offers short term courses has set up strategies to ensure that their from both the Tumba campus and the Kigali learners are acquainted with the operations Satellite Center for which learners are in the various fields of their studies. awarded certificates of higher learning upon Such include industrial attachments. Mr. completion. The short courses last for three Abayisenga notes that the College allocates months. With the advent of the IPRC North learners to various institutions in line with the Headquarters in Musanze, Eng. Gatabazi skill they are pursuing to develop to ensure shared that the magnitude of development that they gain the necessary experience. ahead is far more than any witnessed before. Eng. Pascal Gatabazi the Principal of Other opportunities to practice emanate IPRC North from the Research and Development Production Unit (RDPU) which is being implemented with support from JICA. in the contest and has won the Judge award for best robot, three successive The unit, according to Ms. Kayisime is a years. market oriented entity which executes
jobs from business partners. “Through the Learners envision a better future through RDPU, Academic staff and students alike Technical and Vocational training get the opportunity to develop their skills by delivering products and rendering services Josiane Mukamazimpaka is found that are business oriented to generate wielding pieces of metal together. income and sometimes centered on Before she discloses what she is doing, community outreach. This plays a big role in it remains difficult for anyone to guess The Vice Principal at IPRC North in charge two ways; skills and research developments, of Administration and Finance Ms. Kayisime what the final product of her creation and income generation of the College,” Nzaramba would be. Together with three other Kayisime notes. colleagues, Mukamazimpaka says they “We have a capacity of training 1000 are building an electronic insect trap. Appreciatively, Madam Kayisime shares that learners here at Tumba campus but these the achievements counted to date would will more than double after the main “We realized that managing insects in never have been possible had it not been campus in Musanze becomes operational. plantations and gardens at home is a for the government of Rwanda policy to The locations of our campuses are big challenge for many people and yet enhance technical and vocational education convenient so we are working tirelessly to some of these insects are destructive training (TVET). “Today, the government develop additional academic programs and especially to crops and the serenity in has set up structures which enable swift begin evening and weekend classes at both a place,” she notes. Upon detecting the management and continued development of campuses to attract more private students.” need and realizing that there were no TVET in the country. We have a State Minister This informed dynamism in the academic such devices developed locally, the for this particular sector of TVET at national tools used at the college is what has ensured team of four embarked on developing a level, the Workforce Development Authority that our graduates are easily absorbed by prototype of the machine for academic (WDA) which supports in regulatory the job market or are in position to create purposes. They hope that if it proves functions. All these have strengthened the their own enterprises immediately after to be economically viable, they will go TVET system and made us more effective graduation,” on to duplicate it for sell on the local and efficient,” she noted. market in Rwanda. Programs on offer at IPRC North /TCT The device, which they are at the moment only referring to as an “insect trap” uses Currently the College offers training in three solar power to run a fan. With a light major departments; Alternative Energy (AE), installed on the device, it attracts insects Electronics and Telecommunications (ET), and towards itself which are then destroyed Information and Technology (IT). However, by the fan. A proud Mukamazimpaka the college is currently gathering market notes that developing something that information which will guide the creation of she knows will be of use to the nation new programs. These programs according makes her feel involved in the country’s to Abayisenga will seek to address other development something she attributes Emile Abayisenga, the Vice Principal of IPRC North for academics and trainings
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