KIGALI - The Rwanda National Police (RNP), yesterday, donated Rwf 75 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, to support One Cow per Family programme (Gir'inka).

The money was collected from police officers as part of their contribution to poverty eradication programme.

The Commissioner General of Rwanda National Police, Emmanuel Gasana, said donation was the police’s contribution to improve the social welfare of Rwandans.

"Now that we have prevailing peace in the country, we want to embark on poverty alleviation. Poverty is one way that can cause high criminality in the country, so if people are healthy, the crime rate also goes down,” said Gasana.

He added that the Rwf75m will purchase 500 cows.

Dr Agnes Kalibata, the Minister of Agriculture, thanked the police for its commitment towards the development of the country.

"This shows how patriotic one can be and this will serve as an example to all other institutions,” Kalibata said.

The event was also attended by the minister of Internal Affairs, Musa Fazil Harerimana.

Police’s donation is so far the highest since the beginning of citizens’ effort to help the President’s cattle stocking programme. 

According to agriculture ministry, over 736 households have benefited from contributions by Rwandans of all walks of life.

Gir'inka was initiated by President Paul Kagame in 2006, targeting to benefit 257,000, but the number has later increased to 350,000 households.

So far over 106,000 poor families across the country have benefited.Kalibata said she expects to meet the target in three years.

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