The Green City Kigali (GCK) Master Plan has been approved and published marking a significant milestone in Kigali’s journey toward sustainable urban development. To boost awareness of this important initiative, the following are the frequently asked questions about the initiative itself, the master plan, its implementation, and how to get involved. In case you need more clarification or still cannot find what you are looking for, please send an email to onestopcenter@kigalicity.gov.rw.
A Green City is a sustainable city, designed and governed to create positive social, economic, environmental impact, whilst creating a resilient habitat for existing and new populations to grow in. It goes far beyond the literal concept of a Green City being a bio-diverse, flora rich, urban environment.
The Green City Kigali (GCK) Master Plan will follow national laws. If a plot is affected by public infrastructure, fair compensation is required before the project starts, per Law N° 32/2015. Owners can continue using the unaffected part and temporarily use the affected part, as advised by the City of Kigali, until the project’s cut-off date.
The approval of the Master Plan marked the start of its implementation, allowing applications for construction permits to begin. The 600-hectare Kinyinya Master Plan is set to be implemented from 2024 to 2050, aligning with the City of Kigali Master Plan’s 2020–2050 timeline. Although both plans share this timeline, the Green City Kigali (GCK) initiative is a priority for the City of Kigali and the Government of Rwanda. Therefore, efforts in the near future will focus on securing resources and building partnerships to ensure its implementation even before 2050.
The Master Plan outlines a comprehensive checklist of construction requirements designed to achieve environmental sustainability, aligned with Green Building Standards and EDGE IFC Standards. These guidelines specify appropriate construction materials based on the type of building being developed, emphasising the use of local materials and those with low embodied carbon. Both plot owners and private developers are expected to adhere to zoning regulations, utilise green construction technologies, and follow the provided checklist when implementing their projects. The zoning regulations and checklist are available in the Master Plan Report at www.greencitykigali.org/resources/publications and www.masterplan2020.kigalicity.gov.rw.
Yes, plot owners retain full rights to use or sell their plots, regardless of Master Plan impacts, in accordance with Rwandan laws and policies. The Rwandan Constitution ensures that private property is protected and may only be interfered with for public interest, with fair and prior compensation.
Physical plans can be initiated by the City of Kigali or community members upon submitting a commitment letter. If initiated by the community, they should form committees to oversee the study and decision-making. The City of Kigali will provide support and ensure the plans align with master plan guidelines and requirements.
The GCK Master Plan is relevant to you. It aims to enhance living conditions for all Kinyinya residents by introducing affordable housing, hence affordable rental. You will also access inclusive transportation, public recreational facilities, community centres, and job opportunities.
This is not accurate. Only individuals affected by public infrastructure will be compensated and relocated. All expropriations will follow national laws, specifically Law N° 32/2015 on Expropriation in the Public Interest.
Efforts were made to minimise impacts on existing buildings. However, if changes in zoning regulations occur, plot owners may renovate according to current renovation guidelines. If the project is assessed to be a redevelopment, the plot owner is required to comply with the new GCK Master Plan zoning regulations.
You should review the new zoning regulations and the Green City Kigali (GCK) Master Plan checklist to understand the planned use of your plot and ensure compliance.