Decentralization as a Strategic Driver for Social Economic Development of Nyarugenge District in Rwanda

ABSTRACT Rwanda was characterized by a highly centralized administrative structure. The decentralization in Rwanda started in 2000 for implementation of new administrative structures and management systems. The study was To evaluate the benefits of the decentralization as a development strategy. To identify the population’s contribution in implementation of decentralization. To assess the factors that negatively affects decentralization in social economic development. The study population comprised of 675 people of Nyarugenge District; A sample of 251 respondents was chosen, using simple random sampling method. Questionnaires were used in collecting both primary and secondary data. The collected data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings shows the benefits of decentralization as development strategy through Vision 2020 umurenge, The One-cow-per-family, Ubudehe, health insurance( mutuelle de sante’), education by all . Also the findings shows that the population participated in implementation of decentralization policy by Attending local meeting, Community works (umuganda) Overwhelmingly to attend elections, financial contribution, participation in decision making . Others findings are factors affect negatively decentralization like lack of the human capacity to manage the whole process, lack of financial capacity, lack of adequate communication, collaboration among stakeholders and coordination , resistance to change. In Nyarugenge District there are poor health problem and poor urban planning. The study concluded that decentralization strategy has impact positive in social economic development. It recommends that Decentralization policy should be well articulated to reflect the financial and human capacities, training and regular monitoring and evaluation of the decentralization implementation activities.