Post-Colonial History to 1994

Soon after independence, the Rwandan republic decided to Make Kigali the capital of Rwanda. This designation as capital of Rwanda and the relocation of all national ministry functions to Kigali fuelled growth of Kigali beyond the Nyarugenge hill to five neighboring hills: Nyamirambo, Gikondo, Kimihurura, and Kacyiru.

From 1962 to 1984, the population and the built area of Kigali expanded rapidly. The population grew at around 16% from round 6,000 people to over 150,000. The built area expanded over 12 square kilometers. Kigali continued to expand until the genocide of 1994.