Rene Anthere Rwanyange
Nyaruguru District has reduced child stunting from 39% to about 23% over the past five years, alongside gains in roads, water, electricity and agriculture, as officials urge residents to build on the progress recorded between 2021 and 2026.
The figures are highlighted during a presentation of the district’s achievements for the 2021–2026 period by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, Minister in Charge of Emergency Management and the Government’s representative in Nyaruguru.
Murasira commends the outgoing district leadership for its achievements and says the progress provides a foundation for the next phase of development.
The decline in child stunting is among the district’s key social gains. The rate falls from 39% to about 23%, reflecting improvements in child wellbeing and household livelihoods. However, the district says challenges remain, particularly among vulnerable families.
Infrastructure development is also changing daily life. The expansion of paved roads is making travel easier and helping farmers transport produce to markets.
Jean Bosco Kayitare, a Nyaruguru resident, says improved roads have eased challenges that farmers previously face, particularly during the rainy season.
“In the past, travelling was very difficult, especially during the rainy season. Today, paved roads have made movement easier and have helped us transport our produce to markets more efficiently. These are changes we can see in our everyday lives,” he says.
For farmers, improved roads are opening access to wider markets while reducing transport difficulties and the time required to move agricultural produce.
Access to basic services is also expanding. Vestine Uwimpuhwe, another resident, says improved access to water and electricity is easing household responsibilities.
“Clean water and electricity have helped us greatly. We no longer spend a lot of time looking for water, while electricity supports us in many different activities. We hope these programmes will continue reaching residents who have not yet benefited from them,” she says.
The district says the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply networks are increasing access to clean water.
Agriculture Drives Local Economy
Agriculture remains central to Nyaruguru’s economy, with farmers increasingly engaged in tea, coffee and potato production.
The district identifies agriculture as a priority for investment, particularly in productivity, processing and market access. Officials say these areas can create jobs and increase household incomes.
Murasira is also calling on residents to strengthen disaster preparedness as heavy rains increase the risk of floods and landslides.
“Although the Government is prepared to respond to disasters, every citizen has a responsibility to take the first steps to protect themselves. As we expect heavy rains linked to the effects of El Niño, residents should prepare early, protect their homes and take care of the environment to reduce the risks of disasters,” he says.
He stresses that protecting lives, property and infrastructure requires cooperation between Government and communities.
As Nyaruguru moves beyond the 2021–2026 period, officials are focusing on expanding services to underserved communities, strengthening local economic opportunities and keeping residents at the centre of the district’s development agenda.
The gains achieved over the past five years give Nyaruguru a stronger base from which to pursue broader and more inclusive development.
