New Speaker of Parliament, Kazarwa highlights areas of priority #rwanda #RwOT

She took a six-year break from politics during which she established Bright Stars Foundation Academy, a private educational institution located in Gasabo district.

Kazarwa has now returned with a renewed focus on addressing the nation's evolving needs through legislative reforms.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Kazarwa shared her vision for the next five years, highlighting her key focus areas, responding to citizens' criticisms, and outlining her commitment to the Rwandan people.

Priorities

As the new Speaker of Parliament, Kazarwa's primary goal is to ensure that the legislative body remains dynamic and responsive to Rwanda's rapid development.

"Our country's rapid development requires solid, evolving laws that address emerging issues," Kazarwa stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among members to align their efforts with the government's broader programs.

Kazarwa's immediate focus is to review the handover documents from the previous leadership to understand the progress made and identify the starting points for the new term.

She highlighted the importance of examining the government's wide-ranging agenda and working closely with other institutions to ensure effective governance.

Addressing citizens' criticisms

Citizens have often expressed concerns that Parliament does not fully represent their interests, particularly on issues such as taxes and rising market prices.

Kazarwa addressed these criticisms head-on, explaining that while taxes are necessary for national development, it is crucial to ensure that they are not overly burdensome.

"Taxes are essential for building infrastructure like roads. Compared to other countries, our taxes are not the highest," she noted.

Kazarwa stressed the need for continuous education on the importance of taxes and ensuring that public funds are managed transparently.

Regarding the issue of rising prices, Kazarwa acknowledged that these fluctuations can often be attributed to global economic conditions beyond Rwanda's control.

However, she assured citizens that Parliament is proactive in addressing such concerns by summoning relevant ministers to provide explanations and taking necessary legislative actions.

Parliament's role in government oversight

Parliament's effectiveness in holding the government accountable has been questioned by some, who believe that the legislative body could be more active in this regard.

Kazarwa clarified that Parliament follows strict legal procedures when overseeing government activities.

"We prepare reports and forward them to the Prime Minister, and issues are followed up by various parliamentary committees," she explained.

Kazarwa also highlighted the role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in summoning individuals to account for the use of public funds as part of Parliament's broader efforts to ensure transparency and accountability.

Promise to Rwandans

Looking ahead, Kazarwa made a solemn promise to the people of Rwanda.

"My promise to Rwandans is that, together with other institutions, we will work for them because they elected us, and we are their voice," she declared.

Kazarwa committed to ensuring that projects are not delayed, that the President's promises to the citizens are fulfilled promptly, and that the budget is managed effectively to prioritize and execute essential tasks.