Smart City and Sustainable Urban Development in Rwanda: A Case Study of Nyarugenge District
Uwayo Goreth & Daniel Mburamatare
University of Kigali,
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5599-8267
Email: uwayogoreth44@gmail.com
Abstract: The general objective of this study is to assess the effect of smart city practices on sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. This study focused on 322 participants from Nyarugenge District. Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 178 respondents ensured accurate representation. The study used simple random sampling. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and documentation reviews, with analysis conducted through SPSS version 25 to generate descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and regression models. The coefficient of Smart Technology Adoption is 0.457, indicating that sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District increases by 0.457 units for every one-unit increase in smart technology adoption. The significance value (p = 0.000) confirms this effect is statistically significant. The coefficient of Smart Public Transport is 0.343 indicates a one-unit increase in smart public transport is associated with an increase of 0.343 units in sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. The significance value (p = 0.000) indicates a statistically significant relationship. The coefficient of Smart Utility Management is 0.163, suggesting a one-unit increase in smart utility management is associated with a 0.163-unit increase in sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. However, the significance value (p = 0.029) indicates this relationship is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Substantial evidence demonstrates that smart technology adoption, smart public transport, and smart utility management each significantly influence sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. Nyarugenge District, in partnership with telecommunications companies and community organizations, should continue to invest in infrastructure to improve internet access in underserved areas further.
