Last week, the City of Kigali held the first consultative meeting with its stakeholders on the review and update of the 2013 Kigali Master Plan. The meeting opened by the Mayor of the City of Kigali Marie Chantal Rwakazina, was attended by stakeholders from government institutions, sectoral agencies, civil society organizations, international organizations, private sector and the media. “The City of Kigali’s vision is of becoming a centre of Urban Excellence, the update and review of the Master Plan will be centered to an increased participation of the communities and the local leaders based on the experience of the past five years.” She stated.

The 2013 Master Plan as stipulated shall be updated after 5 years for improvement to effectively address evolving needs and challenges related to implementation, perception, affordability, inclusiveness, green growth, and market dynamics among others.

The Master Plan Update project team composed of Urban Planning, Transport Planning, Environment, Infrastructures and Public Engagement experts presented the innovative approaches at the base of this Master Plan Update process to stakeholders.

The Urban planning approach will rely on three steps namely Assessment, Alignment and Improvement. The focus is on the need to assess and update the Vision and Goals for Kigali to align with direction of growth and with a strong focus on inclusive city and equity. 8 topics have been proposed to review current plan and guide the City development focusing on City of Excellence, City on the Move, Efficient City, Green City, City at Work, Creative City, City for Citizens and City of integrated Neighborhoods.

The Transport Planning approach is to update the 2013 Transport Master Plan to reflect changes and upgrades to the transport network of Kigali.

The Infrastructure Planning approach which is to develop affordable infrastructure as the driver of urban transformation in suburban areas complies with the objectives of the Government of Rwanda to attain Sustainable Development Goals.

The Public engagement approach will ensure ownership and a wider consensus in the review of the Master Plan.  Institutional and not institutional actors, citizens, target groups and public will be involved and engaged in stakeholder’s workshops and focus groups discussion throughout the ten-month project and, at each relevant stage of the Master Plan Update process.

The multilevel engagement approach provides a platform for the citizens of Kigali with the opportunity to raise their concerns and expectations and to explain the issues faced in implementing and enforcing the 2013 Master Plan. The focus is to engage citizens on the 8 urban related topics through consultations and in close coordination with an extensive Communication Campaign.  “The Master Plan is not for the City of Kigali but its people. They are the ones who implement it and suggest how the City should look. That is why they will share their ideas and suggestions so that everyone will know what is planned to be done on their land” said Fred. Mugisha, the Director of Kigali Urban Planning and Construction One Stop Centre.

The City of Kigali encourages stakeholders and the population of Kigali to take part in this development process and own it.