The current population of the City of Kigali is over 1.3 million and it is expected to triple in the next decade. Despite Kigali’s rapid urbanization, Kigali still struggles to fill the housing supply gap for residents mostly with lowest income. The housing statistics put the housing demand per annum at 60,000 units countrywide, with Kigali alone needing half of the number (33,000 Units). However, the supply in Kigali city is estimated at only 500 units per year.
Shortage of housing and the few available ones being used for other purposes apart from residence is one of the biggest challenge our city faces. Nonresidential activities in residential houses lead to increase in rental prices which cannot be afforded by the majority low income earners.

The Kigali City Master Plan demarcates areas for residential (or living) and non-residential purposes. Residential zones value visual quality, low noise levels, limited traffic generation and other characteristics usually associated with domestic life. In cases where Non-residential activities operate in residential houses it conflicts with or entirely displaces residential occupation.


The way forward

Given the fact that a number of adverse effects from non-residential activities operating in residential houses may cause such as; the potential for increased noise and traffic generation, visual abuse associated with building scale and appearance, limited car parking space and inadequate infrastructure, Overshadowing and loss of privacy,
 

After several consultations with stakeholders, again in a favor of the majority of city dwellers and in a bid to respect and implement the City Master Plan, the City of Kigali issued a directive to the general public that nonresidential activities operating in residential houses which are over 975 should relocate to areas designated for commercial and office purposes by April 1st 2017.

The directive is in line with implementing the City Master Plan to ensure that every building serves the purpose for which it was built and therefore promoting efficient, secure, and hygienic working environment. This directive will be implemented in two phase: the 1st phase will be the relocation of offices and the 2nd phase will be for the relocation of other businesses.

City of Kigali will continue working with all the affected entities to see the smooth transition from residential facilities to the appropriate ones as designated by the master plan. The City of Kigali will remain at the disposal for all those who wish to seek for guidance as they implement this directive. Let’s work together for a secure, safe and friendly city.