Computer engineer and robot developer Janvier Nsengiyumva, 35, is contesting for a parliamentary seat as the only independent candidate. According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), 26 other independent candidates fell short of the requirements.
Campaign Trail
Nsengiyumva began his three-week electoral campaign in Muhanga District, Southern Province, on June 22. He plans to cover all 30 districts of the country. This marks his second attempt to secure a parliamentary position after an unsuccessful bid in the 2018 elections.
Previous Election Attempt
In the 2018 elections, there were four independent parliamentary candidates, but none received even 1% of the total votes cast. An independent candidate must obtain at least 5% of the votes to secure a seat in the Chamber of Deputies, according to an organic law governing elections in Rwanda.
Background and Career
Nsengiyumva was born in Nyanza District, Southern Province, in 1989. He is married with two children. He is an ICT entrepreneur, developing ICT systems, computer and phone programs, and robots. Nsengiyumva holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and is also studying specialization courses in artificial intelligence.
From 2009 to 2012, he supported the growth of musicians and singers as an entrepreneur. From 2012 to 2023, he had a diverse IT career, including roles as a secondary school teacher of computer applications and software development, youth inventor and innovator, and ICT systems developer. His notable projects include a system to manage school dropouts and dairy produce management.
Robotic Innovations
In 2019, Nsengiyumva developed his first robot, Mukamana, which he launched to showcase Rwandan talent. Mukamana can speak multiple languages, including English and Kinyarwanda, and offer customer care services. It can function as a teacher, respond to inquiries based on its database, and is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to acquire more knowledge. The robot can also drive a car on a marked asphalt road.
The idea for the robot stemmed from Nsengiyumva's experience as a guitar instructor with high demand for his skills. He envisioned a robot that could teach guitar to many people simultaneously. His initial success led to support from admirers, allowing him to produce three more customized robots.
Parliamentary Aspirations
Nsengiyumva aims to contribute to Rwanda's development by representing the people in the legislature and advocating for community issues. During his 2018 campaign, he promised to raise teachers' salaries and establish a duty-free market for them to buy basic items at lower prices, thereby improving their welfare. He noted with appreciation that teachers' salaries were increased in 2022, seeing it as an indirect realization of his proposal.
2024 Election Manifesto
For the July 2024 elections, Nsengiyumva's manifesto includes several key pledges:
- Establishment of a Teachers' Shop: He advocates for setting up a shop where teachers can purchase basic items at reduced prices.
- Reduction of VAT: He proposes lowering the value-added tax (VAT) from 18% to 12% to ease the tax burden on consumers, reduce the cost of living, and increase revenue through enhanced consumer spending and a broader tax base.
VAT is a tax on the consumption of goods and services, paid by the final consumer at every stage of production, from raw materials to the final purchase.
Janvier Nsengiyumva's innovative background and dedication to community welfare form the core of his campaign. As he tours the country's districts, he remains focused on his goal to bring about positive change through legislative representation and advocacy.
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