Stakeholders in Nyagatare District convene to address urban governance challenges

Elias Hakizimana Nov 27, 2024Nov 27, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

The Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR Rwanda), in collaboration with the Partnership for African Social Governance Research (PASGR), convened a stakeholders’ forum in Nyagatare District on November 26, 2024. The meeting aimed to tackle pressing urban governance challenges in Rwanda’s secondary cities by bridging the gap between research and policymaking.

The forum adopted the UTAFITI SERA approach, a Kiswahili term meaning “Research Policy,” which promotes stakeholder collaboration to identify and solve urbanization challenges. Participants included district officials, representatives from government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the media.

“Our approach connects research with policymakers to close significant gaps between the two,” said Dr. Innocent, Senior Researcher at IPAR Rwanda. He emphasized the importance of linking research findings directly to policy formulation through dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Jim Kaketch, PASGR Project Manager, highlighted the regional impact of the initiative. “This project is helping Africans discuss their own problems and devise their own solutions. The UTAFITI SERA approach has proven effective in shaping policies and strategies in sectors such as health, urban governance, and development,” he noted.

The forum revisited challenges identified in a 2021 engagement, recognizing progress in addressing infrastructure issues. However, persisting challenges such as inadequate stakeholder coordination, low private sector investment, youth unemployment, poor internet connectivity, unplanned settlements, and a lack of sewage and waste management systems remain.

Nyagatare is the fourth secondary city to host such a dialogue, following similar sessions in Musanze, Huye, and Rubavu. Insights gathered from all sessions will contribute to a comprehensive report and policy brief to guide urban governance improvements in Rwanda’s secondary cities.