Statisticians today celebrate the International statistics day, but some experts in the field have raised concerns over data that lies dormant while at the same time there is high potential of using the information to transform African lives.

These are some of the concerns highlighted at the Transform Africa Summit 2015, in Kigali during the second day session on “New black gold” – Harnessing Africa Data Revolution.

Dr. Yussuf Murangwa, the director general of the National Institute of Statistics Rwanda (NISR) says there are three kinds of data. But there is data that has not been explored, apart from the basic and traditional data, there is official data, and daily statistics of people work daily which is not fully captured and analyzed

“Statistics is not rocket science and it is a myth that needs to be erased from people’s minds. There is data there but people are unwilling to release it due to unfounded fear in them. But if data is released it can be very important and revolutionize our business models” Murangwa said.

Open data will empower governments and private sector. When we know the information and statistics we can know where to intervene. It is a win-win situation and there is no need to hide data. We need openness on data.

To this, Dr. Murangwa said that the solution is that data should have regulation and mechanism to follow through, for example agreements; otherwise a lot of people can be abused in the process of releasing data to anyone.

Antoinette Edodo from Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) argues that should strict legislation and regulation of data being given out by the governments and individuals , because it ties the person down if someone has all the data about people- for example the time travel in and out and a country, health conditions, family and loan history and others.

“We need to use that information in a good way and government have to do the part of protecting its people” she said.

Dozie Ezigbalike from Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) says that in the long run, Africa needs to design a new model of how to put this existing data into real business models which can be used to transform economies especially in Africa where there is a lot of data that is untapped.

As statisticians celebrate the International statistics day, some experts in the field have raised concerns that there is dormant data which could be used to transform African lives.

These are some of the concerns highlighted at the Transform Africa Summit 2015, in Kigali during the second day session on “New black gold” – Harnessing Africa Data Revolution.

Dr. Yussuf Murangwa, the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics Rwanda (NISR) says there are three kinds of data. But there is data that has not been explored, apart from the basic and traditional data, there is official data, and daily statistics of people work daily which is not fully captured and analyzed.

“Statistics is not rocket science and it is a myth that needs to be erased from people’s minds. There is data there but people are unwilling to release it due to unfounded fear in them. But if data is released it can be very important and revolutionise our business models” Murangwa said.

Atsushi Yamanaka from Rwanda Private Sector (PSF), however said that the existing data being used appropriately and that is very lacking in Africa mostly and there is a need to open data for easy access and information to be used for planning.

Open data will empower governments and private sector. When we know the information and statistics we can know where to intervene. It is a win-win situation and there is no need to hide data. We need openness on data.

To this, Dr. Murangwa said that the solution is that data should have regulation and mechanism to follow through, for example agreements; otherwise a lot of people can be abused in the process of releasing data to anyone.

Antoinette Edodo from Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) argues that should strict legislation and regulation of data being given out by the governments and induvial , because it ties the person down if someone has all the data about people- for example the time travel out and in a country, health conditions, family and loan history etc.

“We need to use that information in a good way and government have to do the part of protecting its people” she said.

Dozie Ezigbalike from Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) says that in the long run, Africa needs to design a new model of how to put this existing data into real business models which can be used to transform economies especially in Africa where there is a lot of data that is untapped.

Dr. Agnes Binagwaho

Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Rwanda’s minister of health has won the Roux Prize, for turning evidence into health impact, rebuilding her country’s health system and creating initiatives to improve indoor air quality and combat neonatal deaths.

Binagwaho is the second winner of the Roux Prize, worth a US$100,000 which is given by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and is named for founding board member David Roux and his wife, Barbara.

Roux Prize launched in November 2013 and it is the world’s largest award for evidence-based public health achievement. She will be presented with the Roux Prize at a ceremony in Washington, DC, today on October 21.

Dr. Binagwaho’s commitment to acting on data has shaped the philosophy of Rwanda’s health ministry.

The health minister regards Global Burden of Disease data as a universal language for policy decision-making in the health sector. “We can see by studying those [GBD] figures where the next problem is – and we can start to work on it,” she maintains.

Her work was part of a wider effort led by the government of Rwanda to rebuild the country from the ground up and ensure that even the poorest citizens could receive health care.

After directly caring for patients as a physician, Dr. Binagwaho served as Executive Secretary of the National AIDS Control Commission and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. In 2011, she was appointed Minister of Health.
Along with Dr. Bingawaho, more than 20 Rwandans now collaborate on the GBD study.

“The Global Burden of Disease, by creating and generating data, helps us understand where we need to invest the next dollar, the next effort, the next education initiative,” said Dr. Binagwaho.

Dr. Binagwaho has overseen a remarkable improvement in the health of Rwandans. GBD data revealed that between 1990 and 2013, Rwandan life expectancy increased by about 15 years for both men and women, one of the strongest increases of any country in the world.

Healthy life expectancy has also risen dramatically, by roughly 12 years for both sexes since 1990. Much of this improvement can be mapped directly to policies and investments that Dr. Binagwaho has instituted.

For example, after looking at GBD estimates and finding that household air pollution was the leading risk factor for premature death and disability in the country, Rwanda started a program to distribute 1 million clean cookstoves to the most vulnerable households.

“Whether you are in the capital of Kigali or out in a rural hospital, health policy decisions are being made based on data in Rwanda,” said Tom Achoki, IHME Director of African Initiatives. “The Honorable Minister has made it a priority not only to educate the Ministry in how to produce and analyze quality data, but how to use data to effectively and efficiently overcome Rwanda’s health challenges.”

“In the course of her work leading Rwanda’s health policy and planning, Honorable Minister Binagwaho has come to embody what Dave and Barbara Roux had in mind when they conceptualized the Roux Prize: using rigorously derived evidence to improve health in her community,” said Dr. Christopher Murray, Director of IHME and co-founder of GBD.

“Dr. Binagwaho is not just using disease burden data to improve health – she and her staff at the Ministry of Health are committed to making the Global Burden of Disease study stronger and more useful by vetting its results and addressing data gaps.” said Dr Murray.

Now an ongoing enterprise with annual updates, GBD is an international, collaborative effort with more than 1,400 researchers in 120 countries, led by IHME. Results are regularly published in peer-reviewed journals for more than 300 diseases, injuries, and risk factors, by age, gender, and country.

The Roux Prize is intended for anyone who has applied health data and evidence in innovative ways to improve population health. Nominees may come from anywhere in the world and could include, but are not limited to, staff in government agencies, researchers at academic institutions, volunteers in charitable organizations, or health providers working in the community.

Le Président Paul Kagame avec le 19e Secrétaires General de l’ITU, Houlin Zhao

Le 3^e et dernier jour du sommet de « Transform Africa 2015 » qui se tient à Kigali, le Président Paul Kagame a dans allocution rappelé que « l’Afrique ne peut plus être exclu de la mondialisation. La révolution numérique de l’Afrique devrait être une révolution dans son sens réel mais pas seulement de bonnes paroles ».

Tout en souhaitant la bienvenue à tous participants et organisateurs, le Président Kagame a salué l’Initiative de Smart Afrique, qui est devenu un point de stimulation de la transformation numérique sur le continent.

Kagame a précisé qu’avoir un réseau ne demande aucun investissement, « mais juste une volonté politique. Imaginez ce que nous pouvons réaliser ensemble dès maintenant ».

«Nous avons de bonnes stratégies mais la technologie est avant tout pour la population. La technologie est non seulement les gadgets mais le résultat pour les citoyens  pour transformer la vie des gens », a suggéré Kagame.

Kagame a donné un exemple sur la ville de Kigali où les ICT rendent de plus en plus facile l’accès à l’éducation et à l’information.

Selon Houlin Zhao, 19^e Secrétaires Général de l’ITU, « Kagame est notre champion et il est toujours présent dans nos conférences internationales annuelles. C’est un leader visionnaire dans développent des ICT en Afrique ».

Le Ministre Rwandais des ICT, Jean Philibert Nsengimana  s’est félicité du déroulement de ce sommet. « On a eu plus de 2,500 participants venus dans 81 pays. Chacun d’entre nous a appris de nouvelles choses, de nouveaux amis et élargi nos réseaux d’affaires ».

Hon Nsengimana a révélé qu’ils se sont engagés à collecter 300 milliards pour investir dans le secteur des TIC en Afrique d’ici 2020.

President Paul Kagame at the Second edition of Transform Africa Summit

President Paul Kagame has said that Africa should put technological innovations at the core of its development plans as a way of ensuring that the continent is never left out again in the globalization movement.

The President was addressing over 2500 participants from 81 countries, who attended the closing of the Transform Africa 2015 event which kicked off on October 19 in Kigali, Rwanda.

President Kagame said that ICT’s have made significant transformation of the continent and there is no reason why this aspect should be ignored if the continent is to compete equally within the global community, suggesting that all it takes is the will to act.

“Our continent has often missed out the opportunity to accelerate growth but putting ICTs at the core of our plans, we can ensure that Africa isn’t left behind again, which should be so in the first case; because we have the potential” Kagame said.

He stressed the importance of ICT saying that ICT dimensions should be used to inform everything in government, private sector and all areas because ICTs cut across all portfolios, thus the need to have everyone bring technological solutions on board in institutions.

“Technology is not only gadgets but the results that transform the lives of people who may not even have to necessarily touch a phone. With use of technological innovations we can perform better, deliver services to the people” Kagame said.

In relation to results seen from using ICT’s Kagame gave an example of Rwanda where there has been an increased access to affordable world class education and service delivery in the service sector, a move which may not necessary have to come with costs, but the will to implement.

The Head of State gave an example of the one area network which has been implemented in Rwanda and as result millions have been connected with a subscription that multiplied 300 times, and made a 25 percent increase in taxes.

“Everyone has been a winner in this case. No extra costs besides political will, and you can imagine what we can achieve if we maintain that momentum” he noted.

The two days Transform Africa summit has seen 47 percent participation of the private sector, 15 government and NGO’s and youth population of Africa, but with 22 percent participation of women compared to the previous ones.

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo has cast-off accusations that Rwanda is involved in Burundi’s turmoil.

She was addressing journalists on Thursday evening and said that Burundi should stop blaming other countries for its political crisis.

“Burundi’s problem is not Rwanda, Burundi’s problem is Burundi,” Mushikiwabo said.

Mushikiwabo noted that Rwanda is not insensitive to the Burundian problem, “but it’s not our mandate to solve the problem.  I can assure you Rwanda has done all it can do.”

“We have opened our hospitals, we have opened our schools, we eased all the hurdles any refugees can have going to any country,” she said.

According to the Minister, Rwanda believes that the priority in Burundi now is to bring the country back on track and then “shall we able to handle frictions. No blame game”.

More than 120 people have died and 190,000 people have been forced to flee Burundi since April this year, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans to seek a third term in office. Rwanda hosts thousands of refugees fleeing Burundi.

Nkurunziza emerged winner in July elections, which the opposition boycotted saying it broke the terms of the 2005 peace deal that set two-term limits for president.

“We (Rwanda) chose to be slow on this issue to find a way the country will come to peace and we find ways of discussing the matters arising” Mushikiwabo said.

Adding that “You cannot just interfere and think things will be resolved that way. We want it to be resolved as soon as possible. This problem shouldn’t take long so that Burundians can go home and we restore peace in the region.”

Mushikiwabo also said that even when the numbers of refugees have been a problem in itself, Rwanda will provide all the support and help the country has to give the refugees a life in Rwanda.

“It is natural for the Burundi people to run to Rwanda for refuge. Their coming here itself is a problem. No Burundian will be isolated- in case of problems, there is a way we can talk as governments.” she noted.

She also made it clear that the problem on Burundi is for Burundi and not for Rwanda, but a problem for Burundians and their leaders, who should live with the consequences. She however, stated that even with this hard reality, the Burundian conflict is temporary.

Les manifestants anti 3e mandant sont recherchés par la police du Burundi

Lors d’une conférence de presse animée par Louise Mushikiwabo, Ministre Rwandaise des affaires étrangères et de la coopération ce jeudi en fin d’après-midi, elle a souligné que le Rwanda n’a pas de mandat dans la résolution de la crise politique du Burundi.

Louise Mushikiwabo a déclaré que le Burundi devrait plutôt cesser de blâmer les autres pays. « Les problèmes burundais appartiennent au Burundi mais pas au Rwanda. Le Rwanda est sensible aux problèmes burundais, mais n’est pas mandaté à résoudre ces problème. Je peux vous assurer que Rwanda a fait tout ce qu’il peut faire », a précisé Mushikiwabo.

Le Burundi accuse toujours le Rwanda d’être derrière tous les problèmes sociopolitiques qui prévalent dans ce pays. Mais le Rwanda a officiellement rejeté les accusations selon lesquelles il serait impliqué dans la crise politique du Burundi.

Rappelons que les tensions politiques suivies des tueries ont commencé avec la volonté du Président Nkurunziza de briquer le 3^e mandat. L’opposition et la société civile du Burundi avaient  dénoncé cette pratique anti démocratique.

Les policiers tiraient à balles réelles sur les manifestations pour les intimider. Mais malgré les morts, les manifestants n’ont pas arrêté leur mouvement. Les morts aujourd’hui se  comptent par centaines dans les quartiers de contestation comme Jabe, Musaga, Cibitoke, Ngagara, etc. Les arrestations et les morts de tous les jours ont provoqué des milliers de réfugiés dans les pays voisins.

Le Rwanda a accueilli plus de 50 milles réfugiés Burundais où ils ont été  bien accueillis comme d’autres refugies congolais. « Nous avons ouvert nos hôpitaux, nos écoles, nous avons levé tous les obstacles pour faciliter les réfugiés », a rappelé Mushikiwabo.

Beaucoup de Burundais veulent que le Rwanda intervienne dans la crise burundaise et Mushikiwabo est claire sur ce point. « Rwanda ne pourra jamais envoyer ses troupes dans un pays qui n’est prêt à recevoir nos troupes ».

Le Président Kagame lors du sommet de « Transform Africa 2015 » à Kigali

Aujourd’hui, le 23 Octobre 2015, c’est le 57e anniversaire du Président du Rwanda Paul Kagame. « To the most sincere & unconditional love i’ll ever know! Happy Birthday daddy. I love you »”, a souhaité sa fille, Ange Kagame par le truchement de son compte twitter.

Le Président Kagame est né exactement en 1957 au Rwanda à Gitarama au sud du Rwanda. Mais deux ans après en 1959, suite aux méfaits du régime mono ethnique et divisionniste, sa famille a dû se réfugier en Ouganda.

Il est actuellement le sixième Président depuis 2000 après la démission de son prédécesseur, Pasteur Bizimungu. Kagame était à la tête du FPR-Inkotanyi depuis 1990 dans la guerre de libération qui a mis fin au Génocide contre les Tutsi en 1994, devant le regard impuissant de la communauté internationale.

Marié avec Madame Jeannette Kagame, il est le père de 4 enfants dont Ange Kagame, Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, Ian Kagame et Brian Kagame.

Suite à son leadership inégalable, hérité d’un Rwanda détruit complètement par le génocide qui a emportée plus d’un millions de vies innocentes, Kagame a pu reconstruire le tissu socio-économique du Rwanda.

Le Rwanda, sous le leadership de Kagame, a connu des beaucoup de réalisations que les économistes n’hésitent pas à qualifier de «  Miracle Rwandais », après celui du Japon.

Le Gouvernement du Rwanda par le biais des initiatives de Kagame, amis en place des programmes de développement qui ont permis à « plus d’un millions de Rwandais de sortir de la pauvreté ». D’ici peu, un autre million va aussi sortir de la pauvreté.

Le Rwanda est toujours en avant dans la mise en application des MDGs. Sa politique de la bonne gouvernance fait que ce pays est modèle dans la propreté, sécurité et le climat favorable des affaires qui attirent les investisseurs internationaux. Ce pays est devenu une destination pour les tourismes suite à la réhabilitation de ses parcs nationaux.

Cet amour de la fille envers le père est aussi très visible chez des millions de Rwandais d’intérieur du pays et de la Diaspora été même les étrangers. Raison pour laquelle « les Rwandais veulent que Kagame dirige toujours le Rwanda même après 2017 ».

President Kagame participates in Monthly Community Service (Umuganda) with residents of Kicukiro, here in Kigali, June 2015

President Kagame participates in Monthly Community Service (Umuganda) with residents of Kicukiro, here in Kigali, June 2015

There is no doubt that thought or thinking is the power behind human development across the ages. It is not thinking parse but positive thinking that transforms lives of People and push nations to their desired end.

It is common wisdom that all normal people think but not all think positively.

Immanuel Kant a Germany philosopher once said “All our knowledge begins with the senses proceeds then to understanding and ends with reason .There is nothing higher than reason”. If I can analogize here, Rwanda did not only sense, but deeply felt a horrific situation that is solely better known and understood, by its own people- the Genocide.

A country in a situation where a million people of its population  have  been murdered , over three Million  have  fled  the country, National coffers  emptied with miserable survivors of the genocide in bushes  and marsh lands with no or little help for recovery , the atmosphere  only gave a picture  of a real failed  state. Its recovery looked impossible and to many it was seen as reality.

What was required to avert the situation at the time? Some would tell you courage, resilience or commitment and the like. Yes it is true but one more addition element was thinking and thinking critically. Critical thinking and creative reasoning have played a crucial role in shaping the course of events in the Rwanda of day.

The leadership was able to identify the correct problems of Rwanda and their context. This provided the way to find correct and appropriate solutions.

When we talk of Rwanda’s home grown solutions, some may take it as a mere discourse but by all standards it is a reality in action. By simply citing one sector in the state System-Justice, in the post genocide specifically 1994-95, its handling posed a real dilemma to many. 100,000 suspects for committing genocide in prisons, in a country shattered and with no capacity to handle the cases, by all odds, defeated the convention justice and wisdom.

The adage justice delayed is justice denied was the probable accusation to the post genocide government of Rwanda. Consequently, it would be easy for the proponents of justice and democracy” to name the government of National Unity a fascist regime. Although it was impossible to apply the conventional and classical justice, the pressure on the government to lender justice did not cease to mount.

With all the challenges at the time, the only remedy was to challenge the ordinary way of doing things and go own way .This was a bold decision that required courage. Rwandans need to reflect back and ask themselves what would happen if Gacaca was not put in place. The famously  know URUGWIRO retreat that made the road map for the recovery of the country was the benchmark of what transpired in the future.

It all begun with thinking not only critically but also objectively. When the country started taking its up, more and more home grown initiatives have been on the increase, and no doubt the outcome remains evident today. When one hears of national retreat, National dialogue, Ubudehe, Umuganda one Cow per family, one lap top per child, Women improvement, Children conference, Akagoroba Kababyeyi, Name it –Home Grown solutions.

It all started as a way of making a country recover and emerge from oblivion to be normal society. With the home grown initiatives, the country now boasts of incredible development and progress in all fronts–Political, Social and Economic. It is my humble pray that the leadership continues to pump in as many home grown initiatives as possible, which will undoubtedly rise Rwanda to unexpected heights.

Le Président Paul Kagame avec Ahmad Allam-Mi, SG de la CEEAC au Village Urugwiro

Le Rwanda sera une source d’inspiration de la bonne gouvernance, intégration régionale et la résolution des conflits pour les autres pays membres de la Communauté Economique des Etats d’Afrique centrale (CEEAC). C’est une déclaration faite par Ahmad Allam-Mi, SG de cette communauté après ses entretiens avec le Président Paul Kagame à Kigali. C’était lors de sa première visite le 23 Octobre 2015 depuis l’adhésion du Rwanda au sein de la communauté le mois de Main.

Nous pensons que le leadership du Rwanda peut apporter de nombreux aspects de la bonne gouvernance à la CEEAC. L’expérience de la bonne gouvernance qui est connue dans le monde entier peut éventuellement contribuer à la fixation de la CEEAC. Le leadership du Président Kagame est champion de la bonne éthique de gouvernance en Afrique Il peut également contribuer à l’intégration des pays de l’Afrique centrale », a précisé Allam-Mi après avoir rencontré le Président Kagame.

Allam-Mi a ajouté que « les difficultés que le Rwanda a connues dans le passé font que le pays ait beaucoup d’expériences dans la réconciliation. Et cette expérience peut être partagée dans la résolution des conflits dans la région de l’Afrique centrale notamment en RCA. Nous savons que le Rwanda contribue déjà dans ce pays ». Depuis 2012, le Rwanda a envoyé des militaires en mission de maintien de la paix en Centrafrique, en Haïti et au sud Soudan.

A la fin de cette année il y aura une conférence qui des Présidents des membres de la CEEAC. Ils vont discuter sur les problèmes de sécurité en RCA. Le Tchad en particulier a demandé le Président Kagame de ne pas manquer car ils attendent avec impatient sa contrition dans la résolution des conflits en RCA. Suite à la réadmission du Rwanda, la CEEAC compte maintenant onze membres dont l’Angola, Burundi, Cameroun, RCA, RDC, Gabon, Guinée équatoriale, Tchad et Sao Tomé.

A woman at work

Eugenie Muhawenimana 42, is a banana farmer who lives deep in a village in Kirehe District, Eastern Rwanda.

However, she claims that her plantation has not been productive since she practices subsistence farming.

During harvest, she told News of Rwanda, “I sell and get genuine income that can help me send my four children to school and feed them.”

Despite struggling with her production, in 2013, Muhawenimana realized her worry was almost over. Her banana plantation started yielding returns from different sources.

It was in 2013 that Muhawenimana realized banana fibres from her plantation had a big market.

At the time, she was approached by officials from the ‘Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE)’ a company that produces first ever low-cost and eco-friendly sanitary pads in Rwanda.

“These people shocked me,” she told News of Rwanda. “They told me to start selling them banana fibre for using in manufacturing of sanitary pads. This was a surprise. I didn’t know these banana fibres are of this value,” added Muhawenimana.

Today, Muhawenimana and other banana farmers in Kirehe district are a living example and beneficiaries of the SHE products.

Genesis

Sometime back, Elizabeth Scharpf, an American management consultant went to work for World Bank in Mozambique. While there, she discovered that 20% of factory workers in the country were regularly missing work- up to 30 days a year, because of menstruation.

When Elizabeth approached some women about the issue, some whispered to her ‘buying sanitary pads was costly more than day’s wages.’

In 2008, Elizabeth, a graduate from Havard University, took tools aside at the World Bank and left US with students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and headed to Rwanda-their preferred destination.

Their mission was to draw a sustainable plan to deal with a global issue of lack of access to menstrual pads among women and girls.

In collaboration with the former Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), their mission was successful.

Packaging process

Elizabeth connected with one Julienne Ingabire, a Rwandan businesswoman and agreed to start a factory that would produce affordable menstrual pads to save vulnerable girls and women access.

Girls missing school over expensive pads

Available data from World Bank indicate that in Rwanda, at least 20 per cent of schoolgirls, mostly in rural areas school up to 50 days per year due to lack of sanitary pads during menstrual period.

Indeed, according to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one in 10 African teenage girls in remote areas miss school during their menstruation cycle and eventually drop out because of menstruation related issues.

Jeanine Murebwayire 15, is a student at Karembo secondary school in Ngoma district, Eastern Province. She admitted to KT Press how she missed school due to same issues.

“My mother could not afford sanitary pads for me to take to school. This made me feel humiliated going to school during my periods. Same issue happened to my classmates,” she said.

It’s from here that through Rwanda Association of University Women network, that Elizabeth connected with Ingabire to launch the SHE industry in Rwanda.

“In developing countries like Rwanda, the lack of affordable sanitary pads puts girls at a distinct gender disadvantage; when they can’t afford pads they stay at home during their period to avoid embarrassment, missing days of school every month,” says Elizabeth.

Rwanda’s Education Ministry drew a 5-year strategic plan (2010-2015) which involves a plan to support girls’ access to sanitary pads while at school.

Through the plan, a Girls Only Room programme was established at every school, where a room is reserved with pads and other facilities to help vulnerable female students who can’t afford pads.

The Ministry says over 670,000 disadvantaged girls have so far benefited from the programme.

However, Gilbert Munyeshaka, who teaches at Cyuve primary school in Rwamagana District, told News of Rwanda that sometimes these rooms are empty.

“It is a good initiative by the Ministry but at times these materials run short of supply. In most cases you find when a school has no immediate budget to buy them,” he said.

Low cost pads

In an exclusive interview with News of Rwanda, Daniel Karemera, the factory’s production manager, said the plan has been put in place to produce low-cost pads that vulnerable women and girls can afford in the country.

“A pack of pads costs Rwf500 ($0.67) which is less than other brands. This is affordable and our mission is to pull the price down to Rwf300,” he said.

Other brands on the market cost between Rwf800 and Rwf2000, depending on one’s choice and pocket.

The company’s mission is to ensure its products are 35% cheaper than locally produced products and 70% less than the international brands.

Besides, Karemera noted that the company runs entrepreneurial projects that support women.

“First, we buy banana fibre from them after training and providing extractor machines that make threads out of banana fibre. We buy a kilogramme of these threads at Rwf1200,” he told News of Rwanda.

Low production capacity

According to the factory’s production manager, their products have been welcomed on the market, and remains with a challenge of satisfying demand.

“Our factory has a capacity to only produce 500 packs every day. This is a drop in the ocean depending on demand on the market,” Karemera said.

Final products

For instance, he added, the factory has already signed memorandum of understanding with more than 10 schools in Kayonza district, with many more pending requests to supply pads in different refugee camps across the country.

However, a solution is underway. According to Karemera, a deal has been reached between the factory and US-based Johnsons & Johnsons firm, which with provide high-tech machines to increase production. “These machines will be available next year. With them, we will be able to produce 5000 packs a day,” Karemera said.

With the new production plans, it is a matter of just growing bananas. According to Muhawenimana, one banana stem can produce 5 kilograms of threads. “With these extractor machines, I can make 30 kilograms a week,” she revealed.

After its launch last week on Tuesday, the 4GLTE mobile internet has recorded a rise in subscriptions, paving yet another savvy move to reshape the country’s telecoms sector’s data market.

The data has been seen as the sector’s next money minting market for telecoms after suffering dwindling voice revenues that were suffocated by reduced call tariffs due to a heated competition.

Launched by Tigo Rwanda during the transform Africa2015 in Kigali, the 4G mobile subscriptions have picked up as Tongai Maramba, general  manager of Tigo notes that the subscriptions indicates a demand for data.

“The recent availing of 4G LTE Services makes it easy and affordable for everyone to experience the high speed internet service,” he talked to this website on Monday.

He adds, “Last week, Transform Africa came as the most appropriate platform to officially present the new access to the entire ICT community combined.”

The sector’s number two in subscriber base, Tigo announced last week that it is investing more in data to be able to meet the increasing demand for data mainly on mobile phones.

Experts say that such a move create yet another tight completion among the three operators, enabling consumers to benefit which will see a more decline in data charges.

 Currently, 4G internet is still provided in packages with a daily pack going for Rwf 1,400 RW for 1.4GB and 2,400 Rwf for 2.4GB while a weekly pack goes for Rwf 6,000 for 5.5.GB and Rwf 8000 for 7.5GB.

“There are no other costs attached to setting up the 4G service on mobile,” Tongai noted painting a positive picture as opposed recent fears that 4G internet  is expensive and hectic to setup.

There were fears that 4G mobile internet is expensive as well as hectic to   maintain on mobile phones which had delayed its rollout on mobile phones since its launch last year.

Umuyobozi w’akarere ka Rulindo KANGWAGYE Justus asaba abayobozi b’inzego z’ibanze n’abafatanyabikorwa kujya bakorana neza

Akarere ka Rulindo kakoranye inama n’abafatanyabikorwa (NGOs) n’inzego z’ibanze, tariki 24/10/2015 igamije kunoza imikorere n’imikoranire yabo n’inzego zibanze.

Ubusanzwe abafanyabikorwa bakoranaga cyane n’urwego rw’akarere, ugasanga  inzego zo hasi mu mirenge, mu tugari no midugudu ntibazi neza ibikorwa bikorewa aho bayobora cyangwa bamwe banabimenya ntibamenye n’uko bikorwa ngo babikurikirane, ahubwo abafatanyabikorwa bagakora  uko babyumva.
Umuyobozi w’akarere ka Rulindo KANGWAGYE Justus wari uyoboye iyo nama , yavuze ko hashingiwe ku isuzuma ryakorewe abafatanyabikorwa ko basanze hari  abajya gukorera  mu mirenge, mu tugari, no mu midugudu ariko abahayobora ntibamenyeshwe, ubundi ugasanga hari n’bandi bafatanyabikorwa bemera ibikorwa bazakora mu byo baba baremereye akarere ariko umwaka ukarinda urangira ntacyo bakoze.

Umukozi mu karere ka Rulindo ushinzwe abinjira n’abasohoka HATEGEKIMANA Jean Claude yavuze ko iyi nama y’abafatanyabikorwa igamije  gushishikariza abayobozi b’inzego z’ibanze nabo kugira uruhare mu bikorwa abafatanyabikorwa bakorera abaturage bayobora, bakanabikurikirana.

KANGWAGYE yavuze ko bafashe ingamba zo kujya akarere gafatanya n’inzego zibanze cyane cyane kubera ko ibikorwa byose n’ubundi bikorerwa umuturage, bakajya bahanahana raporo z’ukuntu ibikorwa biri gukorwa kandi abayobozi b’akarere nabo bakabikurikirana kandi bagakora isuzuma ry’aho ibikorwa bigeze buri mezi ane kugirango birinde kuzasanga nyuma y’igihe hari ibitarakozwe cyangwa bigakorwa ariko ntibikorwe neza.

Dr. Albert Nsengiyumva has been relieved of his duties, as the State-Minister in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Ministry of Education according to information from the Prime minister’s desk.

In a tweet, this morning Tuesday the Premier said Nsengiyumva was relieved of his responsibilities in line with the constitutional powers (article 116) endowed to the president of the Republic of Rwanda.

The Government of Rwanda has set its priorities on boosting technical education and President Kagame emphasized this aspect during the presentation of the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EIVC4) report 2015.

The move could be in relation with the slow pick up of Technical education schools as some of them in the southern province have been faulted for providing substandard education, even when private sector has been brought on board.

Nsengiyumva has served the office since his appointment in 2014. He was formerly the Minister of Infrastructure.

The Plenary Sitting of the Chamber of Deputies today reviewed and voted on the amendments made on the constitution of Rwanda with majority of the articles getting a green light except a few which needed to be revisited.

The review of the constitutional articles was conducted by a special constitutional commission established on August 10 and has spent almost a month integrating the views of citizens collected from countrywide as a result of over three million Rwandans petitioning parliament  this July.

Members of parliament commended the work done by the commission and said that the team did a great job of integrating the views of the citizens, which is very important in giving people the chance to choose their future.

This is a good job in less than two weeks because the commission did what the citizens asked of parliament. This is a constitution that goes by principle and no doubt on voting for it” Hon. Edward Mporanyi said.

Reviewing all the 165 articles the parliament generally voted for most articles- which received votes raining above 68 votes out of the 73 members of parliament who attended the plenary session.

Some of the changes, according to the Vice president of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jeanne d’Arc Uwimanimpaye were seen in rearranging, correcting terminology used in the constitutional articles and review of the presidential terms (article 101) as requested by citizens.

Uwimanimpaye said that “the job was well done considering the time line and the parliament committee was open for any ideas from the house. We ask that you vote accordingly so that we can present a constitution that respond the our history as a country”

Members of parliament raised issues of the vocabulary and translation used between the three official languages in the constitution (Kinyarwanda, French English), and unclear terminology especially in freedom of expression, nationality among others.

She also said that some of the articles which need to be revisited and the issue of translation will be referred to the translators, but said that some of the articles were general and the details of the constitution can be supported by the existing laws.

A constitutional review team composed of the council of parliamentary committee chairpersons backed by the seven-member Constitutional Review Commission experts, was instituted to help Parliament work on amendments for the 12-year old Constitution.

On July 14, both chambers of Parliament, in separate sittings, supported the wishes of the people and basing on the principle that power belongs to the people, and launched countrywide consultations to gather more views from Rwandans of different constituencies.

After the consultations, the legislators initiated a law establishing a Constitutional Review Commission, a team of seven experts that was to help the MPs in overhauling the Constitution before it can be put to a referendum.

The commission which is headed by Augustin Iyamuremye, started its work with the committee of chairpersons of standing committees of the lower chamber and collectively came up with the amendments tabled that were tabled for review on October 14.

Les patrons de la diplomatie du Rwanda et de l’Allemagne lors d’une conférence de presse

Louise Mushikiwabo, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères du Rwanda, invitée par son homologue allemand Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a fait une visite de travail en Allemagne.

« Je suis en Allemagne pour une visite officielle, pour rencontrer mon homologue, différents des femmes leaders, chercheurs sur la sécurité mondiale et attirer plus les hommes d’affaires au Rwanda », a fait savoir Mushikiwabo.

Au cours de sa visite, Mushukiwabo a reconnu et apprécié le rôle de l’Allemagne dans la reconstruction du Rwanda. Un pays complétement détruit par le Génocide contre les Tutsi en 1994 mais qui s’est remis sur les rails de reconstruction et développement grâce au leadership du Président Kagame.

La Ministre a apprécié l’engagement de l’Allemagne dans l’exercice de maintien de la paix en général. Elle a profité de l’occasion pour appeler les Allemands à renforcer leur présence en Afrique. « L’Allemagne est une puissance de bien en Europe et devrait renforcer donc sa présence en Afrique ».

Lors de leur conférence de presse conjointe, les deux ministres ont parlé des problèmes des immigrants et de la sécurité. «  L’Allemagne doit continuer à s’engager sur les questions de la paix et sécurité en Afrique. Le Rwanda salue la façon dont l’Allemagne a bien géré la crise de réfugiés. En tant que femme, je reconnais le courage de la Chancelière allemande dans le traitement de cette crise des immigrants ».

Mushukiwabom s’est entretenue aussi avec le Dr Friedrich Kitschelt, Secrétaire d’Etat au Ministère allemand de la coopération et du développement.

Elle s’est entretenue avec le groupe des Ambassadeurs africains accrédités en Allemagne. Leurs échanges étaient centrés sur diverses questions d’intérêt pour l’Afrique. Un accent particulier était mis sur l’Afrique de l’Est dont le Rwanda fait partie.

Lt Col Gerard Ntibibaza speaks about FDLR in details never published before

The former chief administrator of the Rwandan rebels hiding in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo has dismissed UN and Congolese government figures of the militia group.

The UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO) estimates the democratic forces for the liberation of Rwanda – FDLR – is less than 1500. The DRC government, eager to show that its forced disarmament operations are working, puts the figure at 340.

But Lt Col Gerard Ntibibaza, who deserted to Rwanda early this month, says the UN for its part gives figures based on hearsay from FDLR commanders. MONUSCO never visits FDLR’s bush hideouts all of which are strategically located more than 1500km away from any passable road, according to Ntibibaza.

Until his escape, he had been chief of administration for nearly three years. He says he was in charge of keeping data about all the living and operational conditions of the rebels. Field commanders were required to give him constant updates on troop levels and new recruits.

Lt Col Ntibibaza tells KT Press, a news agency in Rwanda, that as of his departure, FDLR had 5,000 combatants.

Some 3000 combatants are stationed in North Kivu province, while 2000 rebels operate in South Kivu – both of which border Rwanda. There are also more specialized units with small numbers operating in Maniema and Katanga Provinces.

Ntibibaza says these “specialised units” are attached directly to elite forces of the Congolese army. Despite being FDLR, some are commanders of the Congolese units.

Members of the militia group are accused of executing the 1994 genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda, and fleeing across. The group is on the U.S. and UN terrorism sanctions list – with its highest ranking commanders inducted by the International Criminal Court – ICC.

The commander, who disappeared from base with his wife and three children, also narrates his daring escapade that reads like a Hollywood thriller.

Full story here: http://ktpress.rw/mon-colonel-inside-fdlr-and-the-deadly-escape-to-rwanda-3627/

Chief Terrence M Cunningham, president of the international Association of Chiefs of Police( left), Minister Johnston Busingye (centre) and Rwanda Natioanl Police Inspector General Gasana.

The International police chiefs have been called upon to take action and apprehend the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis fugitives who are still hiding or moving freely across the world.

The government says that 410 indicted men and women  suspected of masterminding , financing or carrying out the 1994 Tutsi genocide are still freely moving in about 30 countries across the world.

The call comes at the time when Kigali is hosting the executive  meeting for international association of chiefs of police  subs Saharan Africa on Sunday.

“We expect this to be a cause of concern in a meeting like this one,” said Johnston Busingye, Minister of Justice who is also the Attorney General said.

The meeting that brings  together all police  chiefs from the Sub Saharan is happening ahead of the 84 th session of the General Assembly for International police that kicks off on Monday in Kigali.

The minister also noted that the  emerging security threats are  homogenous and global and affects each nation equally, saying to address requires unity  which he says is not just  appropriate but rather  imperative for the success.

Currently, the law enforcers across the world are facing challenges of  human trafficking, illicit drugs, terrorism which   security experts say they are  sophisticated and need a more stronger approach.

“It’s a good step in the right direction particularly because it reaches beyond borders and building cooperation for sustainable security,” the Minister said.

Busingye also said that through  partnership and collaboration at multinational levels, criminals such as genocide fugitives can be apprehended.

“Rwanda believes that such a meeting is not just an occasion for police chiefs to meet and talk and then return to business as usual but a time for deep  reflection and recommitment  towards addressing security threats,” he said.

The minister added, “in the end its not what we talk that matter , it is the result of what we talked.”

To address these global challenges,Chief Terrence M Cunningham, president of the international Association of Chiefs of Police believes in the need to re-engage as well as   building community trust  by  police.

“We cannot be efficient as law enforcement without the support of the communities we serve,” he said.

During the meeting chiefs of police agree to the need for  stronger collaboration in  capacity building ,sharing timely  information  as one way of  curbing the multinational crimes that has taken toll on the  citizens.

President Paul Kagame in a group photo at the 84th General Assembly of Interpol.

The president of the republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame has challenged police forces across the global to adopt technology innovations in a bid to cope up with global complexities as they curb down crimes.

 President Kagame said that police forces play a pertinent role in ensuring national, international collective security since they are seen as government frontline officers entrusted with noble but difficult task of protecting citizens.

“To measure to this task, you must continue to embrace new and innovative communication technology and reduce flaw by closing the digital capability gap between the developed and developing countries

 This could be achieved, “through global policing partnerships, training and information sharing. Such a gap can only serve to the advantage of criminals, he said while officially opening the 84th session of the general Assembly of Interpol on Monday in Kigali.

He adds, “Security is one single aspect of our lives that we can afford to neglect only at our own peril.”

The president further reminded police forces that they are charged with the responsibility of updating their authorities on degree and trends of national and transnational organized crimes, which requires a better understanding of the dimensions and proposals for solutions.

Police forces can do this if they are informed and have a better understanding on the crime organization and this is possible as president notes through networking, information sharing and concerted action.

“You have the necessary structures at a continental and global levels in coordination with those regional organizations provide a window of opportunity to address the emerging security threats,” The President explained.

President Kagame hailed Interpol and the international community for helping Rwanda to track down fugitive of the Rwandan genocide against Tutsi in 1994 as well as other organized crime groups that threat the security of citizens across the world.

“Even those who are at large, remain haunted not by their conscience because they never had any, but by the possibility being held accountable for their deeds,” he said.

The president who pledged Rwanda’s continued support to Interpol asked Delegates to come up with viable solutions to the complex security problems identified partnerships that will enhance global efforts on fighting transnational crimes and other sophisticated security concerns.

Rwanda currently is hunting for 410 fugitives who are behind the masterminding, financing or fully participating in the   genocide against Tutsi in 1994 that saw lives of over 1 million of Tutsi perished in only 100 days.

Jürgen Stock, the secretary general of Interpol noted that Rwanda’s   approach towards inclusive and support and commitment to providing peace across the globe is remarkable and sets an example for other countries.

Stock noted that the 84^th Interpol session of the general Assembly will focus on towards global perspectives on policing in 21^st century.

“Just as the world successful nationals continue to adapt to changing global complexities, police forces need to be extremely innovative to counter threats caused by transnational crime,” he said.

The general Assembly of Interpol attracted that attracted over 700 delegates from 145 countries is expected to draw strategies on policing on security issues.