The apex bank said in a statement issued in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the ban, which has been in place since November 2015, was imposed against the backdrop of operational challenges in the sector.
“It was intended to provide space for the strengthening of the Kenyan banking sector. Since then, significant strides have been made in strengthening the legal framework for Kenya’s banking sector,” the CBK said.
Since the moratorium was placed, there have been about 10 mergers and acquisitions by existing players and the entry of foreign strategic investors.
The CBK said its recent increase in minimum core capital requirement for commercial banks to 10 billion Kenyan shillings (about 77.2 million U.S. dollars) will further strengthen the sector.
It added that stronger and more resilient banks will be able to navigate the growing risks in global, regional, and domestic arenas, and support large-scale financing needs to meet Kenya’s development operations.
The pledge was made by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente during the official launch of the 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) at the Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the national poverty rate fell from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, with approximately 1.5 million Rwandans lifted out of poverty over the past seven years.
This 12.4 percentage-point reduction was achieved during the implementation of the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
“These achievements were realized over the seven years of implementing NST1,” said Prime Minister Ngirente.
“They were driven mainly by strategic investments made by the Government of Rwanda and its partners. Our goal remains clear: we are determined to make sure that no one is left behind,” he added.
He credited the progress to targeted efforts in social protection, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and infrastructure development.
“The long-standing social protection schemes played an important role in improving the well-being of our citizens,” Ngirente noted.
“These efforts have also effectively contributed to the creation of income-generating activities and job opportunities in Rwanda, and it is a clear demonstration of the impact that can be achieved through good planning and effective implementation.”
The survey, conducted between October 2023 and October 2024 and covering over 15,000 households nationwide, also revealed a significant drop in extreme poverty—from 11.3% in 2017 to just 5.4% in 2024. Notably, the report by NISR estimates that a Rwandan currently needs at least Rwf 560,027 annually to meet basic needs, including food and non-food essentials.
Rural areas, traditionally more affected by poverty, have seen substantial improvements. While rural poverty now stands at 31.6%, urban poverty is significantly lower at 16.7%. Musanze District emerged as a standout success story, recording a dramatic decline in poverty from 42.3% to 21.0%—the highest improvement among all districts.
Additionally, the number of districts with over 40% of their population living in poverty has dropped from 22 in 2017 to just 14 in 2024. Meanwhile, 16 districts now report poverty levels below the national average.
The Prime Minister noted that Rwanda’s strong post-COVID economic recovery—marked by an average growth rate of 9.1% over the last four years—has played a critical role in these gains.
“This recovery has created more jobs and boosted household incomes, which we see reflected in the increase in household consumption,” he said.
Improvements have not been limited to income. The EICV7 findings indicate that access to electricity increased from 34.4% to 72%, mobile phone ownership rose from 66.9% to 84.6%, and internet access doubled from 17% to 30%.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa praised the report’s timing, emphasising its importance for evidence-based policymaking under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs until 2029.
“These results will guide government and partners in making targeted investments that yield maximum impact,” he said.
As Rwanda marches toward its Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Prime Minister Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s resolve to elevate every member of the Rwandan society.
“Our aspirations are high, but so is our determination. We want every family, in every corner of Rwanda, to benefit from our economic development.”
His case resurfaced during the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held at Nyamagumba Hill in the former Mabanza and Rutsiro communes of the Kibuye prefecture, where over 9,600 Tutsi were killed.
On April 13, 1994, mass killings ensued on Nyamagumba hill, formerly known as Gitwa. The massacre involved the direct participation of Father Mendelo Gabriel, who was head of Crête Congo Nil Parish at the time.
Philippe Niyonsenga, President of IBUKA in Rutsiro, told IGIHE that it is so heartbreaking that the priest has never been brought to justice.
“It is extremely painful that Father Mendelo has not been arrested, despite his central role in the killings of Tutsi who had fled to Nyamagumba hill, and also in the 1992 killings of Abagogwe who sought refuge in Rutsiro commune,” Niyonsenga said.
He explained that the priest had forced the Abagogwe to sign documents claiming the 1992 killings were “ordinary unrest.”
Niyonsenga added that Mendelo was a member of the extremist CDR party, which allowed him to collaborate openly with the killers. His influence contributed directly to the massacre of more than 9,600 people on Nyamagumba hill.
On April 12, 1994, the day before the massacre, Mendelo allegedly sent someone to count the number of Tutsi taking refuge on the hill.
“The goal was to know how many they were, so they could mobilize more Interahamwe militias from other areas and come finish off the Tutsi, who were still putting up resistance,” Niyonsenga said.
Indeed, Interahamwe militias were then assembled from areas of Gisenyi, Nyamyumba, Kayove, Rutsiro, Ramba, Satinsyi, Giciye, and Mabanza, which bordered the hill.
“As IBUKA, we believe he must be brought before a court of law, especially since he was already convicted in absentia by the Gacaca courts,” Niyonsenga stressed.
He called on the Government of Rwanda to help ensure international arrest warrants are issued so that the priest can be tried in person, delivering justice to the survivors.
Emmanuel Uwimana, a survivor from Nyamagumba Hill, also spoke out about Mendelo.
“Mendelo Gabriel was an extremely wicked man. He even wore CDR party caps. What he did is well known, and he was sentenced to life by Gacaca courts. He has since changed names multiple times. The fact that he hasn’t been arrested and held accountable is an open wound for us. We urge the authorities to help ensure he is arrested,” Uwimana said.
The Genocide memorial at Nyamagumba, was built on the hill formerly known as Gitwa, where a Catholic chapel once stood. That presence gave many Tutsi hope when they fled there.
Trusting Father Mendelo as a priest, they disclosed their numbers, only for that trust to lead to betrayal, and the slaughter of more than 9,600 people.
The report details that 50% of households are now connected to the national grid, while 22% utilize solar panels, primarily through standalone solar systems.
While urban areas experienced an increase in household electricity access from 76% to 88%, the growth in rural areas has been even more substantial.
Access in rural areas dramatically increased from 24% in 2017 to 65% in 2024. Notably, electricity access has also improved for the lowest economic segment, with 53% of households in the lowest quintile now having access, compared to only 9% in 2017.
The EICV7 report also provides insights into household electricity usage, indicating that it is most commonly used for lighting and charging mobile phones.
Regarding cooking methods, the report indicates that a majority of households still rely on traditional fuels. Approximately three-quarters of households use firewood (63%) or straw/sticks (12%) for cooking, while 24% use charcoal (19%) or other improved methods, mainly bottled gas.
The survey further examined infrastructure access in Rwanda where ninety-six percent of households are reported to live within 20 minutes of an all-weather road, an increase from 93% in 2017.
However, the report notes regional disparities, with households in the Western Province having less access to all-weather roads (89%) compared to other regions.
The survey also indicates that 90% of households have access to an improved source of drinking water, up slightly from 87% in 2017.
In terms of poverty reduction, the report shows that the poverty rate in Rwanda has decreased to 27.4%, down from 39.8% in 2017. Besides, the population in exteme poverty was 5.4% in 2024, down from a predicted 11.3% in 2017.
“Men dressed in DRC military uniforms arrived without any legal documentation authorizing a search, disrupting the security of those living in the home. The Kabila family condemns this abuse of power and the unlawful actions that were carried out,” Shemisi said.
Upon arrival at the property in Limete, which includes an industrial zone, the soldiers clashed verbally with the occupants, who demanded that they show an official warrant permitting entry but none was produced.
The soldiers claimed that two Jeep Defender vehicles parked at the residence were evidence of a plot to undermine state institutions. The occupants, however, responded that the vehicles were only used for civilian purposes.
Shemisi explained that the soldiers initially arrested an accountant who works at the residence, but he was later released. Authorities stated the investigation would continue the next day.
By 2 a.m., the soldiers were still inside the residence. The Kabila family spokesperson accused them of trespassing, saying they opened multiple parts of the house and disturbed the residents’ peace, even though there was no indication of any criminal activity being planned there.
The DRC government has long accused Kabila of collaborating with the AFC coalition, which includes the M23 armed group currently fighting government forces in North and South Kivu provinces.
In March 2025, Kabila, who is in exile in Zimbabwe, denied any connection with the AFC/M23. “If I were truly collaborating with them, this war would have escalated to another level,” he said.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, recently announced plans to return to his country via its eastern region. However, it remains unclear whether he intends to return as an ordinary citizen.
Speaking to IGIHE on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry stated, “Yes, Ntazinda Erasme has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation. We cannot share further details at this time to avoid interfering with the process.”
Ntazinda’s arrest follows a decision by the Nyanza District Council to suspend him from his mayoral duties on April 15. The Council Chairperson, Judith Mukagatare, told IGIHE that his suspension was due to misconduct, though she did not elaborate on the nature of the behavior.
Ntazinda was serving his second term as Mayor, having been re-elected in 2021 after already leading the district for five years.
“We strongly oppose the United States imposing tariff barriers and engaging in trade bullying, as such actions are detrimental to all parties,” NBS Deputy Director Sheng Laiyun told a press conference.
Citing the Chinese economy’s solid fundamentals and strong resilience, Sheng said the country has the confidence and capability to tackle external challenges and achieve its economic development goals.
China aims to grow its GDP by around 5 percent year on year in 2025. NBS data showed that the Chinese economy expanded 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year, up 1.2 percent compared with the previous quarter.
Since reform and opening up, China’s economy has weathered significant challenges and gained extensive experience in terms of macroeconomic management, Sheng noted, while adding that China will implement incremental policies in response to changes in the external environment.
“A robust toolbox of policy measures ensures our capacity to address external shocks and challenges,” Sheng explained.
News reaching IGIHE has confirmed that a request has already been made for these SAMIDRC soldiers to transit through Rwanda. “Yes, it’s true—they will pass through Rwanda, but we don’t know the exact day. The request was made several days ago,” a source said.
Earlier, a one-page SAMIDRC communique advised of a delay in the re-opening of Goma airport, stating it “could cause further delays” in the SAMIDRC withdrawal.
It also noted withdrawal will be by road from Goma through Rwanda to the designated general assembly area of Chato in Tanzania, adding the SADC Secretariat will “engage” Rwanda to facilitate safe passage for SAMIDRC troops.
The three troop contributing countries were tasked with “beefing up” the withdrawal planning element with operations, intelligence and logistics experts. They will be tasked to “conduct reconnaissance and develop instructions for withdrawal.”
This is a point from discussion of a revised withdrawal plan at a meeting last Friday April 11,2025, attended by chiefs of the three defense forces that contributed troops and equipment to the mission.
They are generals Rudzani Maphwanya (SA National Defence Force), Jacob Mkunda (Tanzania People’s Defence Force- TPDF) and Paul Phiri (Malawi Defence Force). Also present at the Dar es Salaam headquarters of the TPDF for the meeting was Professor Kula Theletsane, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs.
Initial deployment for the mission, under the acronym SAMIDRC, was in December 2023 to the eastern DRC under the command of South African Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu.
Its termination, to be followed by a phased withdrawal, was made public by the regional bloc on 13 March. The announcement came two months after all three SAMIDRC troop contributing countries reported deaths in action against M23 with South Africa (14) bearing the brunt.
On February 6, two weeks after the fatalities during combat around Sake and Goma in North Kivu province, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera ordered his soldiers to start preparing for withdrawal from Goma and surrounds in the eastern DRC.
The SADC planning elements will lead and direct the SAMIDRC Force Commander on formulating a withdrawal plan adhering to guidelines permitted by the troop contributing countries.
The M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) claims SAMIDRC forces are carrying out joint operations with DRC government forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militia and other elements around Goma.
These, according to a 12 April statement by the M23, “violate the existing SADC agreements and delay therefore the rehabilitation of Goma airport, compelling the AFC/M23 to demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces.
“Despite our restraint in response to these persistent criminal acts, the AFC/M23 finds itself compelled to reconsider its position to prioritize the security of the Congolese population and that of the SAMIDRC elements present in the liberated areas,” the statement said.
Fighting has been taking place north of Goma since last week. It is believed that DRC government forces and Wazalendo militia forces that retreated into the Virunga national park are clashing with M23 rebels in the area.
A withdrawal by land complicates things for the SAMIDRC troops, as a long logistic trail through Rwanda was not something they were anticipating. It is slow, rough roads and reliant on Rwanda to agree to the plan.
In a statement released following the meeting, council attributed the decision to Ntazinda’s ‘failure to adequately fulfill his responsibilities’.
Ntazinda was in his second term as Mayor, having won re-election in the 2021 local elections after serving his first five-year term. His prior experience includes a role as the President of the Rayon Sports Volleyball Club.
Ntazinda’s academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Laval University in Canada, which he earned in 2001.
Patrick Kajyambere, the district’s Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, will serve as the interim Mayor.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula’s visit, which began on April 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 16, involved several high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the long-standing military cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia and exploring new areas of collaboration.
The visit follows a March 13 visit by Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, to Ethiopia, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation was signed.
Upon his arrival in Rwanda, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula met with Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, and held discussions with Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.
As part of his itinerary, the Ethiopian military leader visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and receive a detailed briefing on the history of the genocide.
He also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at the Parliament, where he learned more about the efforts of the former RPA forces in stopping the genocide.
Rwanda and Ethiopia have maintained military cooperation for over 20 years, initially focusing on joint military training. This partnership has since expanded to include collaboration between the police forces of both countries.
Beyond defense and police cooperation, Rwanda and Ethiopia have established strong bilateral ties in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and education.
In the past seven years, agreements have also been signed in air travel services to facilitate cooperation between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
Notably, this visit occurred shortly after President Kagame received a special message from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, delivered by Yassine Fall, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs.
