The introduction of a faster online system for land service processing has enabled people to evade the earlier long and cumbersome processes. The digitization of land services reduced delays, particularly in the issuance of land titles, which previously could take months to complete. ALSO READ: How automation of 10 land services solved accessibility issues Jean Paul Ntawuyirwanya, a resident of Shangasha Sector in Gicumbi District, said: “In the past, applying for a transfer of land ownership or subdivision could take up to six months. But after initiating the process, recently, I received my electronic title (e-title) through email without the need to revisit the office. This is a remarkable improvement.” ALSO READ: Three more land services now accessible online in Rwanda Yves Bihezande, a resident of Rukira Sector in Ngoma District, echoed similar sentiments. Previously, he had to travel to the district office and endure long waiting time for land service applications. “Now, the process is much faster and more accessible. This technological shift has been a game changer for people like me,” he said. The improvements are reflected in recent citizen satisfaction surveys. According to the 2023 Citizen Report Card (CRC), 60.4% of citizens expressed satisfaction with land and housing services. Notably, women reported a higher satisfaction rate of 61.7%, compared to men at 58.8%. In the 2024 report, the satisfaction rate for land document issuance services rose by 7.5%, reaching 61.3%, with women’s satisfaction at 63.4% and men’s at 58.5%. ALSO READ: How City of Kigali is responding to surge in land service applications The Ministry of Environment has taken steps to further streamline land service processing. Minister Valentine Uwamariya outlined ongoing efforts to cut the average processing time from 20 days to just 10. In 2023, the average file processing time stood at 24 days, which was reduced to 20 days in 2024, and as of the latest reports, the average processing time has decreased to 14.5 days. “The integration of technology, alongside the involvement of independent surveyors, is greatly improving efficiency. Our goal is to reduce processing times even further,” she said. In terms of land-related case volume, Uwamaliya said that the numbers have surged dramatically. “In 2024, Bugesera District received 84,900 land files to process, compared to just 5,879 in Gisagara District. The highest number of land-related files received in 2023 came from Gasabo District, with 62,554 cases, while the lowest came from Nyagatare with just 3,000 cases,” she stated. ALSO READ: Govt pledges to clear land subdivision service backlog in one month Current data indicates that the longest delays are capped at 14.5 days, thanks to technological advancements. Karongi District still experiences the longest processing time of 46 days, while Nyagatare boasts the fastest processing time at seven days. The Ministry of Environment’s 2023/2024 report also highlighted the challenges facing the sector, including an increase in demand for land services. While requests for land services have soared from 15,000 per year to more than 400,000, the number of staff handling these requests has not kept pace. At the sector level, land services are often managed by a single employee with multiple duties, further complicating efficient service delivery. ALSO READ: Lawmakers highlight issues in land transfers, taxation of sold plots To address these challenges, the minister said that they are partnering with the Ministry of Local Government to recruit dedicated land service officers. “LATIS, a system that allows users to track the status of their applications, receive notifications on necessary corrections, and identify delays is being linked to systems of other government bodies like Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). We are improving service efficiency and creating a more streamlined experience for our citizens,” added Uwamariya. Private notaries have also been empowered to facilitate land transfers, she said, with 152 currently authorized while more are expected to join the effort. “In a bid to address land surveying challenges, the government introduced a joint procurement system to purchase modern surveying equipment. This new system will enhance land measurement and boundary corrections, ensuring more accurate and timely land services,” she noted.
