Starting July 8, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) will begin issuing documents including criminal investigation clearance certificates, certificates of good conduct, and loss or theft certificates, online.
RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira told The New Times that this initiative aligns with the government’s policy of easily providing citizen services through e-government. Specifically for RIB, he noted, the goal is to decentralize its services, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and leverage technology to enhance service delivery.
"Previously, people had to visit our stations to submit application documents, but soon this will be streamlined. Online applications will require only a few supporting documents and can be completed quickly with just a few clicks,” he explained.
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Asked if more services would be accessible online in the near future, Murangira said: "Yes, we are in the process of migrating and upscaling all services that can be offered online. However, due to the nature of our work, some services will still require a physical presence, such as obtaining a fingerprints certificate or recording a statement for an investigation.
"This shift does not indicate that our previous services were inadequate but rather an effort to continually improve by leveraging technological opportunities.”
Murangira emphasized that RIB is always searching for the best and most convenient ways to deliver services.
Issuing RIB certificates through Irembo will definitely benefit people in terms of convenience, allowing them to access services from anywhere, at any time, without the need to visit physical offices.
"It will also reduce the time spent traveling and waiting in line, as well as reduce paperwork and processing times,” he added.
Murangira explained that they started with the four certificates because they are the most frequently requested by a large portion of the general public and often require quick responses.
"These certificates are needed for various reasons, such as job applications, travel, administrative activities, or personal emergencies. This is not the first time people have applied for RIB services online; however, the services now offered through Irembo differ from lodging complaints or reporting crimes, which can also be done online through email, RIB’s website, e-Ubugenzacyaha, and e-Menyesha,” he elaborated.
Development welcomed by the public
Viateur Nzabamwita, a university graduate, welcomed the changes, noting that they are timely now that the world is moving fast and many services can be easily accessed online without spending a lot of time queuing for documents any government office.
"This is going to benefit us in many ways. For instance, as a person who recently graduated and is currently looking for a job, I often meet employers who require a certificate of good conduct. In some cases, obtaining it necessitated a long process of physically going to get it,” he said.
Jeanne Murekatete, a shop owner, pointed out that having more services accessible online is easy for everyone, especially since people are increasingly using platforms like Irembo.
She said: "There are people who struggle to access RIB stations, especially in remote areas, but it is easy for them to find an Irembo agent who can facilitate getting the certificates for those who can’t do it on their own or don’t own a smartphone.”