Rwanda Senator discussed the country’s 5 Years Development Plan: On Thursday, October 17, legislative buildings in Kigali hosted a two-day retreat on how the Senate may better fulfill its mission and collaborate with other Rwandan governing bodies.
Improved Rwandan service and successful implementation of the second National Strategy for Transformation (2024–2029) are priorities.
The five-year plan aims to create 1.25 million productive and dignified employment, or 250,000 per year, and double private investment from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion in 2029.
Others include tripling export revenues from $3.5 billion in 2023 to $7.3 billion in 2029, driven by non-traditional goods, agro-processing, and value-added mining.
Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda opened the retreat on September 26, three weeks after the fourth legislature began its duties, to give senators time to discuss the Senate’s duties and implementation to promote Rwandan unity, welfare, and economic growth.
“This retreat is an opportunity to reflect on our oath and the opportunity we were given to contribute to the development of our country based on the vision contained in the fundamental principles the country committed itself to uphold, and the second National Strategy for Transformation [NST2] by considering the Senate’s role in overseeing its implementation,” he said.
The retreat ends on Friday, October 18, with a Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning presentation on NST2.
Kalinda advised parliamentarians to emphasize national interests and improved coordination with other institutions.
After the Senate President began the retreat, former Senator Tito Rutaremara spoke about the Senate’s history and constituents’ expectations.
Rutaremara chairs Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum.
He said the Senate was founded in 2003 to preserve Rwanda’s fundamental principles, which are essential to national development, unity, and the rule of law after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi destroyed Rwanda’s social fabric.
According to him, “Fundamental principles are the foundation of the government of unity,” and the Senate is crucial to their preservation.
He said that the Senate must promote Rwandan wellbeing without prejudice.
“Senators must reach out to residents, listen to them, know their problems, and endeavor to address them in a timely manner,” as it will help citizens comprehend the Senate and its purpose.