Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Mirigu told local media that the fire was reported at 11 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and was contained by 3 a.m. after emergency teams were mobilized.
Sixteen students were burned beyond recognition, while one died enroute to hospital. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
The school was shrouded in gloom as parents, guardians, and government officials struggled to come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy.
Hillside Academy has 824 pupils — 402 boys and 422 girls — of whom 316 are boarders, while the rest are day pupils.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the young lives cut short by the night inferno.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news. We pray for a speedy recovery for the survivors,” said the Head of State, currently attending the China-Africa Summit in Beijing, in a statement.
He noted that he had instructed relevant authorities to “thoroughly investigate this horrific incident.”
“Those responsible will be held to account,” he stated, adding, “The government, under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government, is mobilizing all necessary resources to support the affected families.”
Ruto’s deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, urged school administrators to ensure that safety guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Education for boarding schools are being followed.
“Rebecca was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience in representing Uganda and East Africa. Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community, but to the entire region,” Murkomen stated.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.”
The minister pledged full support for efforts to ensure justice for Cheptegei.
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.
Cheptegei was doused with petrol and set ablaze by her estranged partner, Dickson Ndiema, in Kitale, a town in the northwest of Kenya, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, following a disagreement. She suffered burns to 80 percent of her body. Ndiema also sustained 30 percent burns and is receiving treatment.
The tragic incident came just weeks after the 33-year-old had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
The incident has shone a spotlight on violence experienced by women in Kenya. A government report published in 2022 revealed that nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women being particularly at risk. Several women in sports have been affected in recent years.
In April 2022, Kenyan-Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead in Iten, a famous athletics training base in Kenya. An autopsy revealed that the then 28-year-old athlete had been strangled.
In October 2021, Olympian runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home in Iten with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Tirop’s estranged husband was arrested and charged with her murder. The case is pending in court.
The summit, which has become a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, was lauded for its transformative impact, as both regions continue to advance modernization and build a community with a shared future.
President Xi’s keynote address, titled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future,” set the tone for the summit.
He called for the elevation of bilateral relations between China and African nations to the level of strategic partnerships.
Xi emphasized that relations should evolve into an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” underscoring the enduring nature of the collaboration between the two regions.
The President reinforced this commitment by announcing RMB 360 billion (USD 50.7 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at bolstering ten key partnership actions across multiple sectors.
In response, African leaders expressed their appreciation for China’s continued support and shared their vision for the future of China-Africa relations.
As Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC, pointed out, “The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a model of effective partnership based on dialogue and mutual respect.”
He also praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has expanded Africa’s infrastructure in critical sectors like ports, airports, highways, and railways.
Further emphasizing this cooperative spirit, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union, highlighted that the China-Africa partnership is built on more than just economic exchanges.
“It is primarily based on a strong sharing of visions and positions, such as the belief in a community with a shared future for mankind and the need to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development,” he remarked.
Ghazouani noted that the partnership framework offered by FOCAC enables both regions to develop new paths for solidarity and cooperation, creating a foundation for mutual benefit.
As African countries navigate their development journey, infrastructure remains a key priority.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of this in his address, noting, “Whenever the need arises, the people of the world reach out to one another in the name of common humanity. This is what brings African countries and China together under FOCAC.”
Ramaphosa praised the growth of China-Africa trade, which reached USD 282.1 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase since 2021. He also welcomed China’s proposal to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level, viewing it as a reflection of China’s deep commitment to its partnership with Africa.
Apart from trade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by President Xi Jinping, became a platform connecting nations and building a shared future.
Over 50 African countries have joined the BRI, embracing the rewards of improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
Driven by the BRI, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa. Within 23 years, they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports.
These transformative projects enhanced trade and created over 4.5 million jobs, breathing new life into African communities.
Building on this theme of shared development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Africa’s infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, noting, “This partnership offers even greater promise for the future.”
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed these sentiments, describing China as a true partner in Africa’s fight against poverty and its pursuit of prosperity.
“These partnership actions will support China and Africa in strengthening cooperation in various fields and advancing modernization together,” she remarked.
Suluhu’s words reflected the broad consensus among African leaders on the significance of the initiatives proposed by President Xi, which include cooperation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who succeeded his Senegalese counterpart as FOCAC co-chair, reflected on the importance of collaboration for modernization and peace.
“Africa and China are growing closer based on shared history, values, and solidarity,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that FOCAC would continue to play a key role in global governance, helping to address Africa’s development challenges through intensified trade and investment.
At the global level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised China’s role in promoting South-South cooperation, stating, “China’s remarkable rapid development, including eradicating poverty, provides a wealth of experience and expertise.”
He emphasized that Africa stands to benefit significantly from China’s support, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology.
Following the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, co-chaired a high-level meeting on governance, in which heads of state shared experiences and offered further insights into the broader China-Africa relationship.
President Kagame said that Africa needs partners who value people’s cooperation and emphasized Africa’s readiness to enhance political, trade, and investment partnerships with China.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has moved between major African and Chinese cities, consistently strengthening the bond between the two regions. This year’s summit reaffirmed FOCAC’s status as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation and a platform for fostering long-term development and prosperity for both Africa and China.
He made the remarks in a recent written (Q&A) interview with Xinhua. The following is the written interview.
Question: Over the past 20 years and more, under your leadership, Rwanda’s GDP has grown at an average rate of nearly 8 percent, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and even globally. What has enabled Rwanda to achieve such remarkable economic growth?
Answer: Rwanda’s economic growth over the past two decades is the result of a combination of factors, including leadership, a strong commitment to good governance, and a focus on inclusive development. We have prioritized creating a stable and secure environment, investing in human capital, and fostering a business-friendly climate.
Additionally, our emphasis on homegrown solutions, such as promoting unity and reconciliation, has allowed us to build a strong social fabric that supports sustainable development.
Question: Both Rwanda and China have achieved miraculous development under extremely challenging circumstances. What similarities do you see between the two countries in terms of national governance? Which places in China have you visited, and what are your deepest impressions of China’s modernization?
Answer: Rwanda and China share a history of overcoming immense challenges to achieve significant progress. Both countries have shown resilience, determination, and a commitment to self-reliance.
In terms of governance, we both prioritize long-term planning, social stability, and the well-being of our citizens.
We have visited several places in China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, among others, and what impresses me most is the scale of development and modernization, particularly in infrastructure and technology, which serves as an inspiration for Rwanda’s own development journey.
Question: How do you evaluate the achievements in the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years? Especially in areas including poverty reduction, economy and trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization, what results have been achieved?
Answer: We have deepened our cooperation with China across various fields, including trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization. China has become one of Rwanda’s largest trading partners, and our collaboration has led to tangible results, especially in poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
Question: In recent years, the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. How do you evaluate the role of this cooperation in promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods in both countries? In your opinion, in which areas can the two countries further explore the potential for cooperation in the future?
Answer: The Belt and Road Initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing Rwanda’s infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Projects like roads in different corners of our country and in the city of Kigali, IPRC North in Musanze, and the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant have had a direct impact on improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.
Looking forward, we see potential for further cooperation in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization.
Question: Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with beautiful scenery and rich tourism resources. However, the number of tourists from China is still relatively low. You have mentioned on various occasions that Chinese are welcome to work, live, and travel in Rwanda. How do you think the governments and media of the two countries can better promote Rwanda?
Answer: Rwanda has much to offer in terms of tourism, and we are keen to welcome more Chinese tourists. To enhance mutual understanding and awareness, both governments and media can play a pivotal role. We should promote cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives. By highlighting the beauty of Rwanda and the hospitality of its people, we can attract more visitors from China, thereby strengthening our bilateral cultural ties.
Question: You have visited China multiple times and attended the 2006 and 2018 Beijing summits of the FOCAC in your capacity as president of Rwanda. In 2018, you mentioned at the forum that “The expanded cooperation framework presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping fully reflects our common understanding of the future of our community.” Six years have passed; has the envisioned cooperation met your expectations?
Answer: The FOCAC has been a key platform for deepening the partnership between China and Africa. The expanded cooperation framework presented by President Xi in 2018 has indeed met our expectations, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and digital connectivity.
Chinese tourists and entrepreneurs can now travel to Rwanda and receive visas upon arrival. As for this year’s summit, we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation, especially in new and emerging fields, ensuring that our partnership continues to benefit both China and Africa.
Question: Rwanda and China have both suffered significant disasters in history due to the interference of Western countries in our internal affairs. Even today, some Western countries still attempt to undermine China-Africa cooperation by fabricating false narratives such as “debt traps” and “new colonialism.” What is your assessment of these claims? From your point of view, how should countries approach and cooperate with Africa?
Answer: The claims of “debt traps” and “new colonialism” are often unfounded and reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of China-Africa cooperation. Rwanda, like many other African countries, values its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Rather than being dictated by external narratives, we believe in evaluating partnerships based on their actual outcomes. Our approach to cooperation is one that emphasizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes.
Question: In March 2013, shortly after President Xi took office as Chinese president, he visited Africa and for the first time put forward to the world a policy of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests. He vowed that China and Africa would always be reliable friends and sincere partners. How do you comment on China’s concepts regarding developing relations with Africa?
Answer: China’s approach to Africa, characterized by sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, resonates strongly with Rwanda’s values. Rwanda had the honor to host President Xi in 2018 when I was Chair of the African Union Commission. This commitment speaks to the vigor and reliability of our relations. China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa’s development without imposing its will. This model of cooperation is one that we deeply appreciate and seek to continue.
Question: Currently, the voices of the Global South are becoming louder and louder on the international stage. The Chinese side emphasizes that China has always been a member of the “Global South” and will always belong to developing countries. China’s vote in the United Nations will always belong to developing countries. How do you think China and Africa should strengthen unity and cooperation on the multilateral stage in the future?
Answer: As the voices of the Global South grow stronger on the international stage, it is essential for China and Africa to continue to strengthen their unity and cooperation.
China’s commitment to being a member of the Global South and aligning its interests with those of developing countries is commendable. Together, we can work to ensure that our collective voice is heard in multilateral forums, advocating for a more just and equitable global order.
Question: Have you been following “Chinese modernization”? Do you think China’s development model can provide some inspiration for Rwanda? What are the challenges that Rwanda faces in localizing Chinese experiences?
Answer: The Chinese-style modernization is indeed something we observe with great interest. China’s model of development, characterized by long-term planning, strong state involvement, and an emphasis on infrastructure and technology, offers inspiration for Rwanda. However, the challenge for Rwanda is to adapt these experiences to our unique context. Localization of Chinese experiences requires careful consideration of our cultural, social, and economic realities. Nonetheless, the principles of self-reliance, innovation, and strategic planning that underpin China’s success are universally applicable and can guide Rwanda’s development trajectory.
Question: This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. Looking back on this tragic event, do you think the different ethnic groups within Rwanda have achieved reconciliation today? In the future, what measures will your government take to further heal ethnic conflicts, ensure national stability, and promote ethnic unity?
Answer: The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a solemn reminder of the darkest chapter in our history. My feelings are those of deep sorrow for the lives lost, but also immense pride in the resilience of the Rwandan people who have chosen the path of reconciliation and unity.
Today, Rwanda has made significant progress in healing ethnic divisions through inclusive policies, justice, and promoting national identity over ethnic identity.
Moving forward, we will continue to focus on building a cohesive society where all Rwandans feel valued and secure, ensuring that our nation remains stable and united.
Question: What is your vision for the development of Rwanda in the next ten years? On the global and African stage, what role do you hope Rwanda will play?
Answer: In the next ten years, I envision Rwanda becoming a middle-income country, with a diversified economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-value sectors.
On the global and African stage, Rwanda aspires to be a leader in peacekeeping, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. Rwanda will continue to play a constructive role in African development, contributing to the continent’s progress and standing as a strong advocate for African interests in international forums.
The eight-day-long reed dance is a traditional rite of passage into womanhood, where young women sing and dance bare-chested, dressed in traditional attire that includes anklets and vibrant, colourful tassels. Some participants also carry mock swords and shields.
Eswatini spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo told the BBC that Nomcebo and King Mswati III are “marrying for love,” downplaying criticism about the age gap and political power play.
“Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally,” Nxumalo said.
A section of analysts had speculated that the marriage would strengthen political ties between the King and Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until 2018. The former Head of State, who is also polygamous and has been married six times, was forced to resign by his African National Congress party after a series of corruption allegations.
King Mswati, who has ruled the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for 38 years, is allowed to marry multiple times. He has been married 15 times. Two of King Mswati’s wives are deceased, while two others are divorced.
“The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations,” said Xi.
He noted that the relationship between the two regions has evolved over nearly seven decades and is now at its strongest point in history.
The financial package will be disbursed to support key sectors in Africa, including infrastructure, agriculture, industry, health, and education.
“This financial support will not only enhance Africa’s industrial capacity but will also provide tangible benefits to millions of ordinary Africans,” Xi stated.
The initiative is seen as a major step forward in China’s commitment to Africa’s development and modernization.
One of the most significant aspects of the support package is China’s commitment to opening its markets further to African products. Xi announced that least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations, will receive zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines.
“This will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity,” Xi emphasized. This move is expected to provide a major boost to African agricultural exports and deepen economic ties between the two regions.
Xi’s also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in Africa’s modernization journey. As part of the multibillion financial support, China will carry out 30 connectivity projects across the continent, aimed at improving transport links, boosting trade, and fostering regional integration.
“Together, we are building a network of connectivity that will benefit future generations,” Xi said. This commitment aligns with Africa’s broader goal of achieving sustainable development through enhanced connectivity and cooperation.
In terms of technology and industrialization, China will work with Africa to create digital technology cooperation centers and launch 20 digital demonstration projects across the continent. These initiatives are intended to help Africa embrace the ongoing industrial revolution and foster inclusive economic growth.
In addition, China intends to focus on environmental sustainability by establishing clean energy projects to promote biodiversity conservation and disaster prevention thereby setting a hallmark of modernization in the new era of a low-carbon future.
According to Xi, various medical personnel will be sent to Africa and work with the continent to establish joint medical centers. These efforts will enhance Africa’s healthcare capacity, particularly in combating diseases such as malaria.
Xi also reaffirmed China’s support for the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will play a crucial role in strengthening the continent’s public health systems.
Security and peace, described as an essential component of modernization, will also be highly prioritized in the next three years to create a stable environment for development and modernization
China and Africa, together account for one-third of the world’s population. They are therefore poised to play a critical role in shaping global modernization.
“Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization,” President Xi declared.
As clear as it seems, this partnership between China and Africa is not only aimed at addressing historical injustices but also at creating a more just and equitable global order.
Xi criticized the Western approach to modernization, which he argued has inflicted immense suffering on developing nations. Instead, he championed a new path, in which countries like China and African nations can pursue their own models of modernization based on their unique national conditions.
“Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries,” Xi said, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect in the modernization process.
This multi-billion financial support reflects China’s broader vision of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. It is a vision that seeks to foster deeper cooperation, promote economic growth, and ensure that no country or region is left behind in the global modernization journey.
As Xi poignantly noted, “Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization.”
With this bold commitment, China and Africa are embarking on a new chapter of cooperation, one that promises to yield significant benefits for both regions. The shared journey toward modernization is set to bring about lasting changes that will shape the future of both China and Africa for generations to come.
Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC will be succeeded by the President of Congo Brazaville , Denis Sasoubguesso.
Speaking at the ceremony, he thanked Xi for the partnership actions and contribution to Africa’s development including assistance in the fight against Covid-19 and contribution to the construction of CDC headquarters among others.
Since its inception, FOCAC has convened several key sessions: the inaugural meeting in Beijing in October 2000, followed by sessions in Addis Ababa, Sharm El Sheikh, and Johannesburg. The 2021 summit was conducted virtually due to restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Speaking in a podcast aired by Table Media published on Thursday, August 5, 2024, Stamp noted that Rwanda was willing to implement the model as part of its efforts to find solutions to the global migration crisis.
“We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda,” Stamp said.
According to his proposal, asylum processes in Rwanda would take place under the oversight of the United Nations.
Stamp, a member of the junior coalition FDP party who holds a position within Germany’s Interior Ministry, stated that the proposed model would target refugees crossing the EU’s eastern borders, rather than all refugees, as suggested by the conservative opposition. “My suggestion would be that we concentrate on this group. It’s about 10,000 people a year,” he said.
Stamp also proposed eliminating the “connecting element” in the new Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which presently mandates that external asylum processes be carried out in countries where the asylum seeker has existing social ties.
In December last year, the European Union reached an agreement on updated regulations to manage irregular migrant and asylum seeker arrivals, marking a significant breakthrough after nearly a decade of disputes. The full implementation of this pact may not occur until the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Stamp’s proposal comes in the wake of rising pressure on Germany’s ruling coalition government to restrict irregular migration following a fatal stabbing linked to Islamic State at a city festival last month. The incident fueled far-right opposition and criticism of Berlin’s migration policies.
Seasoned German parliamentarian Alexander Throm also urged his government in July to adopt the Rwanda migration scheme that was terminated by the UK.
The spokesperson for Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU faction said the government should build on the preparatory work done by the UK to advance their own plans for the agreement.
He noted that since Rwanda was willing to collaborate with European countries on migration issues, the end of the UK deal meant more ‘capacity’ for Germany.
“We should stick to the plan and make use of the groundwork our British partners laid for it,” the member of the German Parliament for Heilbronn told local media.
In the UK, the migration scheme was meant to deter illegal migrants from arriving using small boats across the English Channel by moving the migrants to Rwanda. However, the Labour Party differed with the Conservatives over the effectiveness and cost of the plan.
Despite the cancellation of the UK-Rwanda plan, the Rwandan government has reiterated its willingness to collaborate with other nations to tackle migration challenges.
“We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the Office of the Government Spokesperson said in July.
UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, confirmed the funding at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
The contribution will be directed towards AgDevCo Ventures, a funding facility designed to help small and medium-sized agribusinesses grow.
With previous UK investments, AgDevCo has already made a significant impact on Rwanda’s food security, improving nutrition and creating a substantial number of quality jobs in businesses such as Kigali Farms and Kivu Choice.
The Africa Food Systems Forum is the world’s premier event for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons to advance African food systems. The summit kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Minister Collins is in the country for a three-day visit. As part of the visit, he will also review the successes of UK action on climate finance and sustainable cooling, and visit Trinity Metals to understand how responsible mining supports Rwanda’s green energy transition ambitions.
“During my visit to Rwanda, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship. Our two countries continue to collaborate on a range of important issues, including climate change and mutual prosperity,” he stated.
The minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, James Kabarebe, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues.
The Kigali Green City is a sustainable and affordable development project featuring eco-friendly buildings that utilize renewable energy, recyclable materials, and are constructed with locally sourced materials. The master plan for this city has been finalized, and residents are now permitted to begin construction in line with it, provided they obtain the required building permits.
The project will be undertaken in a 600-hectare area, where the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle was previously located, in Kinyinya, within the City of Kigali and its surroundings. The planning director of Kigali City, Marie Solange Muhirwa, announced that the master plan, which will guide the implementation of the Kigali Green City project in Kinyinya, is now ready.
The Green City project will be divided into 18 zones, each equipped with all necessary amenities.
“We envisioned a city where all essential services are available within a 15-minute walking distance, and we are conducting a trial in Kinyinya. Once completed, we will implement this in other areas as well,” Muhirwa stated.
In Green City Kigali, affordable housing will be constructed for a population ranging from 170,000 to 200,000 residents. Muhirwa explained that the project will include mid-range housing accessible to people from all walks of life and will be designed to withstand climate change.
“This will be a neighbourhood like any other, but with the capacity to handle climate change. We also want to use materials produced in Rwanda,” she said.
“We aim to build affordable housing within the financial reach of current and future residents so that those living here today can continue to do so.”
As part of the Green City plan, different sections will be prepared, each resembling a village, with basic infrastructure such as schools, roads, markets, health centers, and entertainment facilities. She highlighted that the master plan was developed in collaboration with Fonerwa and the residents of Kinyinya, who were given the opportunity to provide input.
Regarding transportation, it is expected that residents will rely on public transport or bicycles for their commutes. There are also plans to build roads connecting the area to job opportunities, such as a road linking to the Masoro industrial park, where employment is available.
As an environmentally friendly city, it will play a significant role in beautifying Kigali and reducing the impact of air pollution. Additionally, waste will be managed in a way that promotes recycling rather than becoming a problem, as is commonly the case.
The master plan indicates that at least 75% of the electricity used in the neighbourhood will come from renewable energy, and the houses will be designed to conserve both electricity and water.
Beyond entertainment areas, the plan includes spaces dedicated to tourism promotion and environmental conservation, such as an Urban Eco-Park. It is also planned to create at least 50,000 jobs in Kinyinya through the establishment of business opportunities within the different zones. In this project, residents can build houses that comply with the master plan, or investors may do so on their behalf.
The types of houses to be built will vary depending on the location, with more sophisticated buildings required as one approaches the main road. The government’s role is to provide the necessary infrastructure for the area, including roads, water, electricity, schools, markets, health centers, and more.
Some residents had previously expressed concerns about not receiving building permits since the project was announced, but now the City of Kigali is ready to issue them to those who wish to build in line with the master plan.
There will be a road surrounding the area, as well as one designated for large public transportation buses, making travel easier. A network of roads will also be built on slopes, areas with trees, and covered pedestrian paths. A valley will connect pedestrian pathways surrounded by forests and the road designated for large public transportation buses.
Additionally, there will be easy-to-use infrastructure accessible to everyone. The area will have nursery, primary, secondary, vocational (TVET), and university schools, as well as areas designated for economic activities aimed at promoting non-agricultural jobs.
Speaking during a media engagement in Kigali on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Irembo’s Chief Operations Officer, Patrick Gategabondo, said the expansion strategy aligns with the company’s vision of providing a unified platform for all types of services.
Irembo, established in 2014, is renowned for developing and maintaining IremboGov, a one-stop portal for e-governance services and the gateway to Rwandan government services. Some of the new services on the platform include applications for import permits, business operator licenses, premises registration services, the legalization of public documents from Rwanda to be used abroad (Apostille), and ID replacement for diaspora residents, among others.
As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has obtained a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the Central Bank, which enables the company to offer secure and efficient digital payment solutions through its platform, Irembopay.
“We’ve seen how our collaboration with the government has effectively addressed challenges in government-to-citizen and government-to-business services. We believe this approach will be even more impactful in solving business-to-citizen and business-to-business needs,” Gategabondo stated.
As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo has also set its sights on markets beyond Rwanda’s borders, aiming to forge broader partnerships and extend its influence regionally and internationally, particularly the Global South.
“Irembo was a brainchild of the new Rwanda, but when it began being developed, we immediately understood that there was no way we could build a solution that does not extend beyond just Rwanda. So, one of the absolute plans and dreams we have is to build something so intelligent that it will actually help build other continents,” Gategabondo explained
Considering that there are more or less similar issues in terms of access and reaching out to citizens this development seeks to replicate the model available in Rwanda in other places including Central, Western, Southern, Eastern Africa, and beyond.
“We have a strong belief that we are on the right path, and hopefully, if we can move forward soon enough, we’ll be able to reach the next level,” Gategabondo said, emphasizing the company’s future plans.
IremboPay is a digital payment gateway that allows companies and other organizations to receive digital payments. It supports various payment options and is integrated with telcos, mobile money, and credit or debit cards.
Kevin Kabera, the Business Development Manager at Irembo, told IGIHE that the service, which has primarily been operational for government institutions, has now begun expanding into the private sector.
“Now that we’ve secured the license from the Central Bank, we are currently engaging different private companies to start supporting them with digital payment collections,” Kabera revealed, adding, “Irembopay is fully integrated with Momo, Airtel Money, different banks and cards.”
The recent certification from the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) allows Irembo to compete with other payment gateways in the market.
In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.
One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.
According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.
