Kagame highlighted that remaining behind is not an option as the world is in the era of the digital economy noting that economic transformation and prosperity require mastery of technology.
“Technology connects the world like never before. Access to knowledge has become much more equitable as a result. At the same time, let’s not be empty vessels, using broadband internet merely to consume the content and ideas produced by others. We are innovators and thinkers. We have our own products to sell. We have our own stories to tell,” he said.
The president who was delivering a keynote address today on the second day of the 5th edition of Transform Africa 2019 taking place at Kigali Convention Center from 14th to 17th May 2019 attended by Kenya president, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, commended Smart Africa for organizing the Transform Africa Summit, and bringing together an impressive range of partners, innovators, and policy-makers.
He said that it is time to build the necessary infrastructure and skills in Africa.
“There is a great deal at stake for our continent, which is why African governments came together to establish Smart Africa in the first place, with the private sector as a key partner from the outset,” said Kagame.
Commenting on the role of Smart Africa, Kagame said it firstly lies in keeping Africa together, in terms of the digital agenda, highlighting that ‘collaboration is the only way for us to navigate successfully, through the complex global dynamics we have to face’.
Kagame urged Africans to tackle tendencies intending to divide the continent for various reasons.
He said, Africa, can only protect its peoples’ interests, and increase the size of the market, through integration and cooperation.
“This is especially the case when it comes to harmonizing laws and regulations, and ensuring that Africa’s ICT infrastructure is managed in a sensible way. The emergence of a common African agenda on ICTs should not be a source of worry to anyone. It is long overdue, and in the end, greater African unity will benefit both Africa and its partners globally,” he said.
President Kagame also unveiled that the host of the 6th Transform Africa Summit in 2020 will be the Republic of Guinea.
The Transform Africa Summit is the Smart Africa flagship event.
Under the theme “Boosting Africa’s Digital Economy”, the Summit attracted over 4,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, First Ladies, UN Broadband Commissioners, Ministers, Regulators, Mayors and Governors, Public and Private Sector, International Organizations, Industry Leaders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Young Innovators, Civil Society and Academia.
This was revealed on Monday as MINISANTE and associated institutions presented to the Parliamentary Public Account Commission the draft budget of 2019/2020
Commenting on the partnership with MINISANTE and MINALOC in the management of health facilities, Yves Bernard Ningabire the Director-General for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at MINALOC said that 156 health posts worth Rwf 3 billion were built.
“MINALOC through Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) allocated Rwf 3 billion to build health posts during this fiscal year we are finalizing,” he said.
Ninagbire said that some of the 156 built health posts have begun operations.
“It was successfully implemented that 91 health posts were completed, got the necessary equipment and are now operational. More 65 health posts have been completed waiting to get equipment,” he explained.
The project of building health posts in all sectors is underway in different districts.
For instance, only two cells in Nyanza district remain without health posts expected to have been built by the end of 2019.
Last month, Nyagatare district got new 23 health posts raising the existing number to 53. Burera district has 30 health posts but targets 69 health posts by the end of this year.
From 2010 to 2017, different health facilities had been built countrywide. These include seven excellent hospitals, four provincial hospitals, 36 district hospitals, 499 health centers, and 471 health posts.
It is said that he offered licensing documents to trade milk in the Democratic Republic of Congo to selected farmers after receiving bribes.
The spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Modeste Mbabazi has confirmed his arrest.
“We have arrested the veterinarian on account of using his powers for personal interests. He is suspected of soliciting bribes from farmers trading milk in DRC to give them licensing in return. He would not offer to license to traders who declined to do so,” he said.
Article 4 of Rwanda’s penal code stipulates that any person, who solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service commits an offense.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value of the illegal benefit solicited.
He is expected in Paris this week on 17th May 2019 to attend VivaTech Summit to be held on 16th – 18th May 2019.
President Kagame will also address participants of the VivaTech Summit he is attending for the second time.
During his previous visit to France in May 2018, President Kagame who was chairing the African Union (AU) held talks with his France counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
At the time, they also visited the exhibition of technology innovations aligning with VivaTech held in Paris.
As announced by Jeune Afrique, the President of Senegal, Macky Sall was also invited to attend VivaTech along with President Kagame.
Over 450 panelists are expected in the Summit. They include Canada Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; Jamaican runner and Olympic legend, Usain Bolt and Jack Ma, the founder of tech giant Alibaba.
VivaTech was in 2018 attended by over 100 000 participants. The same number is expected this year. A total of 9000 start-ups of which the majority will be from Africa are expected to showcase their innovations.
In 2018, a total of 60 tech companies from Africa including 8 from Rwanda showcased their innovations.
Rwanda was represented by Awesomity Lab which signed deal with Volkswagen to set up shared mobility solutions; AC Group known for tap and go solutions in public transport; Irembo offering e-government services; Fab Lab and Pivot Access among others.
Kigali Marriott Hotel is not just another fine-dining Hotel; you can count on taking a culinary tour of most parts of the world, from the Pacific Coast to the very depths of Africa with each of your 4-course meal representing unique tastes, creativity, safety and an enriched dining experience especially at Soko Restaurant. A sous-chef at the Hotel, Innocent Rutayisire says each dish at the hotel is seasoned with unique ingredients, garnished to fit the very culture from which it is derived.
Chef Rutayisire’s nurturing and execution of culinary finesse has been far from conventional. Started his journey in Hospitality when he went to Nairobi, Kenya to hone his skills in the industry, by learning from the most accomplished chefs from around the World. Rutayisire is a success. His knack for creating delectable dishes is widely recognized by his peers.
IGIHE caught up with him, and he is now taking us through the journey of his passion for culinary practices and aspirations.
{{When did you first start cooking and how did you get at Kigali Marriott Hotel?
}}
I am a chef by profession. I started this profession in 1998 from a Kenyan College, where I did a two-year diploma course in culinary arts. From there, I came to Rwanda in 2000, where I became a chef in the Senior Officers’ Mess. Later I joined the Intercontinental Hotel- now the Serena Hotel Kigali, as the Sous-Chef, where I worked for three years. From there, I joined the UN offices in Khartoum, Sudan as a Catering Manager for a period of one year. I came back and re-joined Serena Hotel, then later joined King Faisal Hospital as a Catering Manager. Given a scholarship by the government of Rwanda went to Singapore for training in Hospitality Sciences where I returned as a deputy Chef in the Workforce Development Authority (WDA).
A few years later, I became the Group Executive Chef at Bourbon Coffee, where I opened two restaurants. To upgrade my skills, I enrolled at former Rwanda Tourism University College, current University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies [UTB], teaching at the college on completion of my studies. In 2008, with a scholarship by the Chinese embassy, I went for further studies in Beijing for a course in Catering Food Service Development. Later on, Marriott International recruited me in 2016 as a Sous-chef and here we are!
During my time here at the hotel, I have had the opportunity to train under experienced chefs and get the chance to work with them on many events and signature dishes, which inspires me. Being part of this renowned international brand has been very important for my career.
{{You have been all over the World, and in a few decades, became one of the best chefs in the country. What is the secret to your success?
}}
The key to success is the attitude. Cooking is a blend of science and art, and there are techniques and skills that need to be learned; but without the right attitude, a chef cannot get anywhere. In addition, a chef must always be willing to try something new, creativity and authenticity in the work we do is very important. Attention to detail is also a big part of the art. A missing garnish, or a dish left for a minute too long, can all ruin an otherwise perfect meal. The goal at Kigali Marriott Hotel is offering guests unforgettable meals and special moments to remember with pleasure.
{{How would you describe your style of cooking?
}}
I would describe my style of cooking as a mix of traditional and modern elements to make a simple and high-quality meal that people will appreciate. A merge of African and Intercontinental. I use local ingredients, and then use them to transform their products into modern stylish dishes.
{{What is a signature dish you are particularly proud of?
}}
Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Matoke. I love playing with ingredients, transforming recipes and this is by far my proudest dish, which you are welcome to try at Soko Restaurant. It takes only 15 minutes and does not require many ingredients. You can take the chicken with a side dish of Matoke or Ugali depending on your preference. The dish reminds me of my local cuisine and I am proud to keep the local streak in my dishes.
{{Does your wife share your love for cuisine? Do you work together?
}}
Oh! {(He gives a chuckle of delight)}. Now, that you mention it, my wife worked with me when I worked at Serena Hotel, not as a chef, but in the Housekeeping department. She cooks at home often, and her culinary talent and her way of welcoming people would charm you too. Of course, I am happy to eat her great food, too, but I get a special joy out of making her smile with my food. {(He lets out another round of throaty chuckles)}. I love her Ugali served with peanut sauce. Earth-shatteringly delicious!
{{What are your plans for the future?
}}
I dream of having my own little place in my old days, where I will be able to train Rwanda’s Top Chefs. I have opened many hotels & restaurants such as the Intercontinental, Bourbon Coffee, and part of the pre-opening team here at Kigali Marriott Hotel and many more. I have enough experience for my future ventures. My own restaurant? You should definitely be ready for it!
With an all-day dining Buffet, palatable Weekend Brunch, as well as a range of Theme nights, which feature Asian, Indian and African foods, Kigali Marriott’s Soko Restaurant offers guests an opportunity to enjoy good food and a lively atmosphere.
Coming up soon at the restaurant is an exciting concept, in addition to the International items offered daily on the Soko a la carte menu, guests get the opportunity to experience monthly themed menus based on different international cuisines. {Hint: You might have the chance to relish the best of Mexican food sooner than you thought!
}
The three are Evariste Uwamahirwe, 30, Protogene Manishimwe, 30, and Didas Ndatimana, 25, who was intercepted with 20kgs of cannabis concealed in two sacks at the time of arrest on Monday.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie Goretti Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the trio was intercepted by security personnel for the Federation of commercial motorcyclists FERWACOTAMO.
The suspects were at the time traveling on two commercial motorcycles, which were also impounded.
“The suspects had traveled from Rulindo and headed to Rwamagana district on two motorcycles. They were stopped in Masoro Cell, Ndera sector by FERWACOTAMO security personnel, who were on their routine patrol and found them with two sacks of cannabis. They apprehended them and handed them over to Police at Ndera station,” said CIP Umutesi.
This comes three days after other three drug traffickers were arrested in Kigali with four sacks of cannabis. They were lured into Police arrest by a taxi-driver, whom they had hired to transport the narcotics.
“Fighting illicit drugs is an individual and collective responsibility; if we work together like these motorcycle security personnel or the taxi-driver the other day, we will leave no room for drug dealers to roam around,” CIP Umutesi said.
The announcement follows concerns that the issue of lack of accommodation persists in some schools across the country where one class accommodates 70 students.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Eugène Mutimura made the announcement today as he and relevant institutions attached to the ministry presented reports of how they utilized funds for the previous two years and outlining priorities in the next fiscal year 2019/2020.
MINEDUC and associated institutions will spend Rwf 24.9 billion in the fiscal year 2019/2020 up from Rwf 15.5 billion of the previous year 2018/19.
Minister Mutimura explained that the budget was increased to cater for the construction of more classrooms to reduce overcrowding in schools.
He explained that 1150 new classrooms are expected to be built in the next financial year, way below the targeted classrooms.
“We had planned to construct 3112 classrooms and 4668 toilets but we have been allocated the budget of building 1150 classrooms and 1804 toilets,” he said.
“We have a gap of Rwf 17.4 billion to completely address the matter of overcrowding,” added Mutimura.
He pointed out an example of Rwf 271 million they had planned to build classrooms at GS Kimironko I but only Rwf 150million was approved.
During the previous fiscal year, MINEDUC had planned to build new 1686 classrooms, renovate 1286 classrooms, build 1452 toilets and 90 kindergarten schools.
In a bid to improve quality education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) advises that a teacher should at least teach students between 30 and 35 per classroom.
The duo was arrested at Bunagana border in December 2018 returning from Uganda to attend a meeting held between15-16 December bringing together representatives of RNC belonging to Kayumba Nyamwasa and FDLR.
They are accused of being part of FDLR rebel group, treason and inciting the public to engage into terrorism, developing relationships with a foreign country intending to provoke a war, propagating messages abroad with the intention to incite the public against the government of Rwanda and forming an illegal military group.
The court has read the ruling today on Tuesday around 3 pm on remand or release on bail following a hearing held yesterday.
It ruled handing them another 30 days remand because the first remand was completed. The ruling has been read in absentia of both accused Bazeye and Abega and the prosecution.
Bazeye and Abega were previously handed the first 30 days remand on 10th April 2019.
At the time, the court said that there is evidence pinning them where Nkanka admitted his position as FDLR spokesperson; that he went with co-accused to Uganda to meet RNC and he held speeches on FDLR attacks in the media like BBC among others.
Nsekanabo admitted to the prosecution that he was aware of some attacks to Rwanda like the ones carried in 2001 among others. He also admitted to having traveled to Uganda to meet RNC to plan different attacks to Rwanda; all of which considered as evidence pinning him.
The court remanded them considering the severity of accused crimes and suspicion that they would join the rebel group again if released.
She made the request on Tuesday as MINISANTE and associated institutions presented the draft budget of 2019/2020 fiscal year to the Parliamentary Public Accountant Committee.
Dr. Gashumba said that building health sector infrastructures is supplemented with renovations needed to preserve the facilities.
“The allocated budget is still small. We can’t build new facilities and forget to renovate existing ones,” she revealed.
Minister Gashumba explained that there is a gap of Rwf 700 million in the budget allocated to the health sector.
“We were allocated Rwf 598 million and still have the gap of Rwf 700 million for such urgent issue,” she said.
Dr. Gashumba highlighted that the budget allocated to MINISANTE to renovate hospitals and building other health infrastructure is inadequate.
“Experts in the construction sector told us that there are no problems in first days after completion of buildings because renovation activities are under responsibilities of the contractor,” stressed Gashumba.
She said in the second year after completion of new facilities, there should be a reserve of at least between 1 and 2% of the budget spent on construction allocated for maintenance activities.
“It means, considering the percentage of money spent to build the hospitals, at least Rwf 45 million up to Rwf 90 million should be provided for maintenance other than giving us Rwf 17 million,” said Minister Gashumba.
She revealed that advice from experts suggest 2.5% of the money spent on construction activities in case a facility has existed between 6 to 10 years for maintenance. Beyond 10 years, renovate budget should be at least 5%.
“The budget is still small. Building without provisioning the budget for renovation is useless. We want you to conduct advocacy on this issue,” said Minister Gashumba.
The parliament promised MINISANTE continuous collaboration to improve the draft budget so it can address Rwandans needs.
On the other side, experts acknowledge the reason for concealing such information but raise worries that the budget might not be used for national interests in some cases.
This issue was also discussed yesterday on Monday at the opening of the seventh National Security Symposium hosted by Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama of Musanze District Northern Province.
A lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda, Dr. Peter Kasaija explained that they failed to obtain information when they conducted research on the utilization of military budget at different times.
“They sometimes say that the information is secret. Why does the military fear to be asked what it does? Why don’t you want us to know how the budget is spent,” he wondered.
The concern was highlighted by Senegalese counterpart, Abdoulaye Bathily revealing that they often faced the challenge in parliament.
“Whenever we enquired into the use of the budget, they would inform us that the information is confidential that the military is trusted that the budget must be approved without any queries,” he said.
Bathily explained that details should be provided lest the budget is misused in activities that have no national interests.
Rwanda Defense Chief of Staff, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba who was among panelists explained that African countries don’t often provide details on how military budget is spent because the information it might be used negatively.
“It is true that soldiers use resources from citizens’ efforts that they have to know how the budget is utilized. There is no reason why we cannot tell citizens what we do but considering the situation in Africa, citizens need to be mature,” he said.
Gen Nyamvumba said that most Government opponents in Africa need to change their mindsets because they stand against everything including policies meant to protect national security.
“We still have a problem in Africa. When you look at how government opposition operates in Africa; you oppose everything when you are not part of the Government, […] to the extent that you may use such information for negative intentions,” he explained.
Gen Nyamvumba explained that some Africans in the past have been involved in betraying own citizens that leaking information on security issues may lead to consequences.
On the budget for security institutions that might be misused, he explains that it depends on existing credibility of the Government.
Gen Nyamvumba said that the military would not be left behind in case the Government is corrupted noting that the military becomes transparent when there are policies to address corruption.
The report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an international institute based in Sweden, dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament released in November last indicated that many of Sub-Sahara African countries continue to make a progress revealing how the military budget was spent.
Between 2012 and 2017, the institute revealed that at least 45 of 47 Sub-Sahara African countries provided one report explaining how the military budget was utilized.
