Increasing citizen focus and transparency in local authorities

Context

The Rwandan Government introduced the first reforms aimed at decentralising political and administrative functions in 2000. By transferring competencies to the local authorities, the central government is promoting stronger social cohesion, poverty reduction and internal stability. However, the local authorities are often not in a position to assume greater responsibility and to plan and provide needs-based services for the population in an effective, participatory, citizen-oriented and transparent manner. The districts lack funding and expertise. They often implement local planning and budgeting to only a partial extent. Moreover, they demonstrate inadequate transparency and accountability towards the population. Civil society is not sufficiently involved in the processes.

Objective

Selected local authorities in Rwanda are in a position to deliver public services in such a way as to meet citizens’ needs and priorities.

Approach

The project builds specialist expertise in local government through training courses and the provision of technical advisory services. In so doing it supports the local authorities in integrating the results obtained from planning with participating citizens into the services they provide.

The project also strengthens the ability of local authorities to collect and administer revenues. Better internal auditing of budgets and accounts by local councils reduces the risk of corruption, and the authorities are able to demonstrate more transparent accountability towards the population. In addition, citizens are more involved in planning and monitoring implementation. The project makes use of analogue and digital applications to achieve this.

Last update: August 2023