Gertrude Kazarwa

Gertrude Kazarwa (born 28 December 1964) is a Rwandan lawyer and politician who has been the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies since 2024, as a member of the Liberal Party. Prior to her tenure as speaker was a member of the Senate representing the Eastern Province from 2014 to 2019.

Early life Gertrude Kazarwa was born on 28 December 1964. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in management from the Kigali Independent University, with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, and with a Master of Business Administration from the Maastricht School of Management.

Career In 2011, Kazarwa was a part-time lecturer at Kigali Independent University. Gertrude founded Bright Stars Foundation Academy School and was its managing director from October 2019 to July 2024.

Donatille Mukabalisa resigned from the Senate in order to become a member of the Chamber of Deputies. On 29 August 2014, Kazarwa was elected in a by-election to fill Mukabalisa's vacant senate seat representing the Eastern Province for the remaining five years of Mukabalisa's term. She served until 2019. During her tenure in the senate she was deputy chair of the Political Affairs and Good Governance committee. She is a member of the Liberal Party.

Kazarwa defeated Pie Nizeyimana with 73 votes to become Speaker on 14 August 2024. She is the third woman to serve as speaker. She selected Mussa Fazil Harerimana and Beline Uwineza to serve as her deputy speakers.

Personal life Kazarwa is married and is the mother of three children.