{"id":2000109943,"date":"2026-04-26T09:43:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T07:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/?p=2000109943"},"modified":"2026-04-28T03:50:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T01:50:06","slug":"inside-sahara-residence-a-new-12-storey-residential-development-set-to-reshape-kigalis-skyline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/inside-sahara-residence-a-new-12-storey-residential-development-set-to-reshape-kigalis-skyline\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Sahara Residence, a new 12-storey residential development set to reshape Kigali\u2019s skyline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While many of these projects have traditionally been driven by experienced investors, a growing number of young entrepreneurs are stepping into the real estate sector, answering national calls to play a more active role in development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among them is Prime Gate Developers, a company represented by engineer Delphin Tuyishime. Working with a team of young professionals, the firm has launched an ambitious housing project known as Sahara Residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 12-storey building is being constructed near Lemigo Hotel, just five minutes from Amahoro Stadium and about 10 minutes from the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuyishime, who chairs the company\u2019s board, partnered with Augustin Kabandana and investor Gerard Mpyisi to bring the project to life. Construction officially began on April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explaining what inspired the idea, Tuyishime pointed to the role locals often play in projects initiated by foreign investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI noticed that foreigners come here to invest, and we are the ones implementing their projects. In the end, they benefit from ideas that originate from us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that his experience in Dubai, where the housing sector is highly developed, pushed him to think about applying similar concepts back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaving seen how advanced real estate is in Dubai, I told myself we should be doing the same in our country. That\u2019s when I reached out to partners and we began working on how to make this project a reality,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Gerard Mpyisi, the project was not immediately convincing. \u201cTo be honest, when they first presented the idea to me, I thought it was impossible,\u201d he said. \u201cI challenged them to go and secure all the required construction permits, and within a short time, they came back with everything ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


He revealed that the land where the building is being constructed had originally been reserved for his family, but they eventually agreed to repurpose it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy family didn\u2019t understand it at first when I told them the property would be redeveloped. But when I showed them what was planned here, they accepted without hesitation. In two years, you will see an outstanding building on this site,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prime Gate Developers currently employs more than 40 young professionals under the age of 30, working in areas such as architectural design, marketing, and technology. The company is led by CEO Dr. Egide Igabe, who previously played a role in introducing electric public transport during his time at Volcano Express.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) has welcomed the initiative, describing it as aligned with national housing priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need more investors like Prime Gate Developers, especially those focusing on residential housing,\u201d said RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe. \u201cUnder NST2, we are required to build over 500,000 housing units. As RHA, we are committed to working with investors to ensure Rwandans have access to quality, well-regulated housing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Residents of Sahara Residence will enjoy views of different parts of Kigali.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Sahara Residence will offer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sahara Residence is designed as a mixed-use development. The ground floor and first level will accommodate commercial spaces, including restaurants, offices, and retail outlets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Kimihurura, the building sits close to the Kigali Convention Centre, one of the city\u2019s key business hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the second to the 12th floor, the building will feature modern apartments equipped with essential amenities, including spacious living areas, fitted kitchens, and en-suite bedrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents will also have access to a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and ample parking.
In total, the development includes 111 units, with 101 available for sale. About 70% have already been purchased, with the remaining units expected to be sold within a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment in the property starts at $126,000. Buyers can make an initial payment of between 20% and 30%, with the remaining balance payable in installments of 1%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the developers, the project offers an annual return on investment ranging between 12% and 18%, positioning it as both a residential and investment opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company says its team remains available to provide guidance and detailed information to interested investors through its official channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Sahara Residence will have 12 floors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Sahara Residence will be among the high-rise buildings in Kigali.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Residents of Sahara Residence will enjoy views of different parts of Kigali.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Prime Gate Developers is set to construct a building that will enhance Kigali\u2019s skyline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Each apartment in Sahara Residence will have a spacious living room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The apartments include a designated dining area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The residential units will come fully equipped with essential amenities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Early buyers will have the opportunity to customize the interior design of their units.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
One-bedroom units will include modern beds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A ground-floor area in Sahara Residence is designated for a restaurant.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Sahara Residence will feature a fully equipped gym.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
There is dedicated space for various business activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The lower section is reserved for restaurants and other commercial activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Gerard Mpyisi is among the key partners in the construction of Sahara Residence and other projects by Prime Gate Developers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Gerard Mpyisi said the determination shown by the youth convinced him to support them.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"

Prime Gate Developers has several projects aimed at transforming housing in Kigali.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Eng. Delphin Tuyishime emphasized the need for Rwandans to invest in real estate
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Prime Gate Developers aims to build residential housing in different parts of Kigali.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Gerard Mpyisi said the project has been thoroughly planned and will be completed within a short time.

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Alphonse Rukaburandekwe shared details about the standards for modern building design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"

Construction of Sahara Residence is expected to take two years.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Sahara Residence is expected to contribute to the NST2 development programme.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Gerard Mpyisi and Alphonse Rukaburandekwe launched the construction of Sahara Residence.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Eng. Delphin Tuyishime presented the construction idea to Gerard Mpyisi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Flavia Bwiza is the head of sales and marketing at Prime Gate Developers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Chairman Eng. Delphin Tuyishime and CEO Dr. Egide Igabe of Prime Gate Developers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Investors in Sahara Residence are promised attractive and timely returns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Alphonse Rukaburandekwe pledged support to Prime Gate Developers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Dr. Egide Igabe assured partners of transparent operations.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Prime Gate Developers CEO Egide Igabe, and investor Gerard Mpyisi, a key partner in the project.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The site for Sahara Residence has already been prepared for construction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Augustin Kabandana is a member of the Board of Prime Gate Developers.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photos: Munyaneza Isaac<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kigali\u2019s skyline continues to expand, with new developments reflecting the city\u2019s steady urban growth. High-rise buildings, in particular, are becoming more prominent, signalling increased investment in modern infrastructure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2000109935,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[151,133],"byline":[170],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000109943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-editors-choice","tag-main-featured-home","byline-igihe"],"bylines":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":8}],"contributors":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":8}],"featured_image":{"id":2000109935,"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","alt":"","caption":"Sahara Residence will be among the high-rise buildings in Kigali.\n","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":1000,"height":563,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","width":150,"height":84},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","width":300,"height":169},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","width":768,"height":432},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","width":1000,"height":563},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/whatsapp_image_2026-04-25_at_17.22_30-30d2a.jpg","width":1000,"height":563}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000109943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2000109943"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000109943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2000110263,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000109943\/revisions\/2000110263"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000109935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2000109943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2000109943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2000109943"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=2000109943"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=2000109943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}