Rwanda is taking a first-off initiative in making all government services accessible online, following the kick-off of the initial phase of implementing Rwanda Online platform Wednesday.
The objective of the initiative is to set up a public service platform that will provide the Rwandan citizenry with the option of accessing government services through the web.
Rwandan government signed an agreement with Rwanda Online Platform Limited in April 2014 granting the firm the right to run the platform for 25 years, after which the government will take back the rights.
The agreement is intended to bridge the gap of information access. It also seeks to improve service delivery via the digitized public services.
“It is expected that the first phase of implementation be complete by April 2015 where ten services are considered likely to be accessible online,” Rwanda’s government stated in a statement.
Services — including registration for driving license theory test, application for criminal clearance certificate, national ID card application, application for visa permits, application for birth certificates, issuance of trading licenses, transfer of land titles, ordinary passports and building permits — are set to be given priority for automation in the first phase.
Likewise, Rwanda Online will work together with six government institutions to collect requirements, engage institutions in training and testing activities, as well as create prototypes that will lead to the completion date in April.
“Rwanda Online platform will act as a window for citizens to access government services. It will be a single service delivery portal for every government agency and ministry thus providing businesses and citizens an efficient and streamlined experience with reduced operational costs,” stated Rosemary Mbabazi, who is Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Youth and ICT.