The City of Kigali has today released the Green City Kigali Concept Master Plan for Kinyinya Hill in Gasabo District, following an extensive review and endorsement process. This milestone marks a pivotal step towards implementing a groundbreaking initiative that will drive Kigali’s sustainable, affordable, green, and inclusive urban growth.
The Green City Kigali Master Plan is built around four key pillars: affordable and socially equitable development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, resource efficiency, and culturally sensitive urban development. It is based on the existing Kigali Master Plan 2050 and outlines the rationale for the creation of a green city.
“The Green City Kigali Master Plan has been approved, marking a significant milestone on our journey to advance sustainable and inclusive urban living in our city of Kigali. Residents can now access it, learn about the implications on their plots, and apply for construction permits,“ said Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of the City of Kigali.
“The Green City Kigali is one of the Rwanda Green Fund’s flagship projects and we are pleased to see it progress to this stage. It is unique because it tackles environmental and urban challenges while also focusing on community well-being, cultural integration, and affordability. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainability and a green future for Rwandans,” said Teddy Mugabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Green Fund.
“In the same way that the Green City Kigali Master plan is a result of cooperation between Rwanda and Germany, its implementation will rely on continued collaboration. This includes efforts from key government institutions, professional bodies, the private sector, civil society, land owners, and the community. We are confident that our partnership with these diverse groups will drive the success of this important initiative,” said Basil Karimba, Chief Executive Officer, Green City Kigali Company.
The role of communities was crucial in developing the Master Plan. In November and December 2023, an extensive public consultation process took place engaging the Kinyinya community, public institutions, academia, professional bodies, private sector, and civil society. As a result, key improvements to the Master Plan were adopted such as the alignment of roads and non-motorized routes to enhance connectivity, zoning regulations to promote densification and promotion of the mixed-use neighbourhood ensuring a compact, coordinated, and connected community.
The 600-hectare Green City Kigali Master Plan for Kinyinya will cover 6 villages of Rusenyi, Ngaruyinka, Birembo, Taba, Binunga, and Gasharu across the Murama and Gasharu cells in Kinyinya Sector. A first stage project on a 16-hectare site will be implemented by the Green City Kigali Company and will be composed of a mixed-use neighbourhood that integrates affordable housing, shops, public spaces, and efficient public transport. The remaining area will include essential infrastructure such as roads, blue and green networks, business centres, schools, hospitals, and other vital facilities that will improve the lives of the Kinyinya community without requiring relocation. Construction developments will be required to comply with the regulations of the master plan to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient city.
The Green City Kigali Master Plan was made possible thanks to the Rwandan-German bilateral cooperation through which the project was funded by KfW Development Bank. It is also a result of efforts of key technical and advisory partners including Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS), Rapid Urbanism, Grant Associates, Steyn Reddy Associates (SRA), and Environmental Resource Management (ERM).
More Information
- Access and learn more about the Green City Kigali Concept Master Plan for Kinyinya hill at www.masterplan2020.kigalicity.gov.rw.
- Applications for construction permits can be made through www.bpmis.gov.rw.
- For more information on construction permits, contact the Construction and Urban Planning One Stop Centre at +250789448873 or at onestopcenter@kigalicity.gov.rw.
- Media inquiries can be sent to communications@kigalicity.gov.rw.
About the Green City Kigali
The Green City Kigali is an initiative led by the Government of Rwanda to address environmental and urban challenges through innovative models of green urbanisation. Covering a designated 600-hectare area on Kinyinya Hill, the project aligns with the City of Kigali Master Plan 2050, envisioning an affordable, sustainable urban community for 170,000 to 200,000 residents. The initial phase will focus on a 16-hectare pilot site, planned for 1,700 to 2,000 units through public-private partnerships.
The project is a key component of the Rwandan-German Climate and Development Partnership and is supported by the German government through KfW Development Bank with a total financial commitment to date of EUR 40 million. The Green City Kigali Company, a special-purpose vehicle established by the Rwanda Green Fund and the Rwanda Social Security Board, will elaborate the design, deliver infrastructure and procure Private Developers to implement the 16Ha Pilot site. To learn more visit www.greencitykigali.com.