Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction This report presents the findings and recommendations of the study to “assess the impact of the decentralization policy implementation in Rwanda over the last 16 years (2001-2017)”. It was commissioned by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and was undertaken during May – August 2017.

The Government of Rwanda (GoR) adopted the National Decentralisation Policy in May 2000, and has implemented it since May 2001. The overall aim of the Decentralisation Policy was to empower citizens to participate in governance and development processes and thereby make government responsive, transparent and accountable to citizens. Over the last 16 years a lot of reforms have been undertaken in the political, fiscal and administrative spheres. They have contributed significantly to establishing an effective, accountable and inclusive Local Governance system.

This assessment focused primarily on the extent to which citizens participate through democratic elections, involvement in decision making and in community development activities; the systems, structures and processes for transparent, accountable leadership at local government level; and the degree to which local government entities have been strengthened in terms of capacity to plan, finance and deliver services to citizens, as well as coordinate efforts of state and non-state development actors.

Methodology The assessment primarily targeted ordinary citizens who are the intended principal beneficiaries of policy decisions. We used a multi-approach methodology to collect primary and secondary data. Quantitative techniques included a household survey covering 300 villages in 10 districts (Kicukiro, Gasabo, Muhanga, Nyaruguru, Gicumbi, Musanze, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Nyagatare and Ngoma) using a closed questionnaire. We selected the respondents through multi-level sampling techniques including purposive, simple random and systematic sampling. We collected the qualitative data through key informant interviews and focus-group discussions with stakeholders in Kigali and in the selected districts. We also undertook a comprehensive review of policy and program documents, laws and regulations related to decentralisation, financial reports, commissioned survey reports and administrative statistical databases. We analysed the data using MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).