Effect of National Urbanization Strategies on Sustainable Human Settlement: A Case of Nyarugenge District, Rwanda

Leonce Tuyiringire & Richard Kabanda
University of Kigali
Email: leotuyiringire@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of Rwanda’s National Urbanization Strategies on sustainable urban development in Kigali, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Coordination Strategy and the Kigali Master Plan. Grounded in governance and systems theory, the research employed a descriptive design and integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 312 respondents including urban planners, government officials, and policy experts—were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 21 through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between the coordination strategy (r = 0.742) and sustainable urban development outcomes, underscoring the pivotal role of effective governance and institutional coordination in promoting urban sustainability. Regression analysis further confirmed institutional coordination as a significant predictor of sustainable urban development (β = 0.534, p = 0.000). The study underscores the importance of reinforcing coordination mechanisms across urban planning institutions to ensure coherent policy implementation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that urban planners, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders enhance collaboration and communication by institutionalizing regular coordination meetings, joint planning sessions, and the alignment of strategic objectives. These measures will strengthen decision-making processes and contribute to the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.