Rwanda: Bring Public Services Closer to the People

What the report says

Rwanda’s New Times, in an editorial republished by AllAfrica, says the government’s review of which public services should be further decentralised is timely and necessary. The piece argues that citizens should not need to travel to Kigali or seek approval from distant offices when local authorities can handle a service effectively. It frames the issue as one of convenience, accountability and basic public trust in how the state delivers everyday services.

The editorial cites figures presented to Parliament showing that 44% of government services have already been decentralised, but says overall service delivery performance has fallen from 81% in 2021 to 68.4% in 2026. It uses land services as an example of decentralisation reducing delays, noting that removing certain provincial approvals has shortened procedures. It also points to community assemblies as a venue for residents to raise concerns, saying reported resolutions suggest value in closer-to-home access.

At the same time, the article warns that shifting responsibilities to local government will not work without added capacity. It says local offices need staff, funding, equipment and clear authority, while national institutions should keep setting standards and overseeing uneven performance. The editorial also highlights digital tools such as the Irembo platform, while stressing that assisted access must remain available for people without reliable connectivity or digital skills. The broader message is that public services should be organized around citizens’ needs, with success measured by shorter waits, lower costs and fewer unnecessary trips.