In an effort to promote digital inclusion, Irembo’s Byikorere campaign empowered over 2,190 citizens in Nyaruguru District by providing them with direct access to more than 230 government services through mobile phones.
This three-day community engagement aimed to educate the community on how to effectively use the IremboGov platform, making services that were once difficult to access now available to many.
Launched in May 2023, Byikorere focuses on educating citizens about the effective utilisation of online service platforms. This initiative addresses the previous reliance on Irembo merchants by empowering individuals to access services independently from their own devices.
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Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, Mayor of Nyaruguru District, emphasised the vital role of leadership in promoting digital adoption, saying, "Leaders must be the first to learn how to access government services so they can effectively educate the people they lead. By doing this, they set an example and empower their communities to fully embrace digital transformation."
A digital revolution in Cyahinda and Nyagisozi
The campaign started in the sectors of Cyahinda and Nyagisozi, where 420 citizens and 80 district officials gathered for a day of interactive engagement.
The event aimed to assist participants in understanding how to access vital services through the IremboGov platform. The activity session offered clear guidance on how citizens can now apply for services such as birth certificates and Mutuelle (health insurance) directly from their phones.
One resident of Cyahinda said: "Before today, I had to travel to the nearest office to apply for a birth certificate, which took hours. Now, I can do it from my phone at home, saving both time and money.”
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Expanding digital access in Ruheru and Nyabimata
On the second day, the Byikorere campaign extended its reach to the sectors of Ruheru and Nyabimata, attracting 670 citizens eager to learn about the various services available through IremboGov.
Participants were introduced to services such as traffic fine payments, national ID replacements, and marriage declarations.
For local farmers and small business owners, the opportunity to apply for government services digitally had a significant impact.
"I had no idea I could apply for a forest harvest permit from my farm. This saves me the time it would take to travel, making the whole process much easier,” said a farmer from Ruheru.
The engagement on Day 2 ensured that citizens were not only informed but also empowered with the tools to manage their affairs more efficiently.
Record attendance in Ngoma and Ngera
On the final day of the engagement, 900 citizens in Ngoma and 120 in Ngera attended to learn about services like renewing driving licenses and relocating livestock. The event introduced an extensive list of services now accessible at their fingertips.
For many residents in Ngoma, particularly those in rural areas, the ability to apply for services digitally without having to travel long distances was crucial.
"I used to drive for hours to renew my driving license. Now, I can do it from my phone. This is the future of government services,” said Paul, a resident of Ngoma.
Noriella Ishimwe, a representative from Irembo during the campaign&039;s community engagement said: "The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive. People are genuinely excited about the convenience of accessing government services without having to travel long distances. This is the future we are building, a future where digital access empowers every citizen, saving them time and effort."
Expanding to Huye District
Following the success in Nyaruguru, Byikorere will continue its journey in the Southern Province, with the next stop in Huye District from November 12 to 14, 2024.
The campaign will focus on the sectors of Simbi, Maraba, Rwaniro, Kigoma, Rusatira, and Kinazi, further expanding IremboGov's reach.