The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) in collaboration with the Government of Denmark and the World Bank, has officially launched the expansion of Nyarubuye Health Centre in Kirehe District. The facility will be upgraded to a “Medicalized Health Centre,” capable of offering services similar to those provided in hospitals.
The foundation stone was laid in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Emergency Management, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Rwanda, and various other partners.
The expansion will benefit refugees living in Mahama Camp as well as residents in six surrounding sectors of Kirehe District. Currently, these areas are served by nine health centres and 11 health posts, which often refer patients to Kirehe District Hospital. The upgraded health centre will ease access to health services and improve the quality of care.
The project is part of the “Jya Mbere” program, which aims to improve the welfare and economic resilience of refugees and the host communities supporting them. It is funded by Denmark through its international development agency (DANIDA).
Once completed, the expanded facility will include two operating theatres, maternity wards including pre-delivery rooms, a neonatal care unit, emergency and diagnostic service rooms, and 110 patient beds.
Residents in the area say the new services will significantly reduce the long distances they travel to seek healthcare.
Chantal Umutoni Rutazarira, a refugee in Mahama Camp, expressed gratitude:
“We are happy that a hospital-level facility is being brought closer to us. As refugees, being allowed to receive services here will greatly support us, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Speciose Mukabugingo, a resident of Nyarubuye Sector, said the health centre will also boost local economic activities:
“There will be increased movement of patients, caregivers and staff, and this will help local businesses to grow.”
Denmark’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Sahr Kpundeh, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s development goals.
“In its second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda has set clear development priorities, including improving health services and reducing malnutrition. We are proud to be a partner in this journey,” he stated.
Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, said the project is a result of close collaboration across institutions aimed at strengthening health services for both refugees and host communities.
Originally established in 1951, Nyarubuye Health Centre will serve not only Nyarubuye residents but also those in Mushikiri, Nasho, Mpanga, Kigina, and Mahama sectors. The construction is expected to be completed by June 2026 at a cost of more than Rwf 6 billion.
In the first phase of the “Jya Mbere” project, Kirehe District has already benefited from development works worth Rwf 17.8 billion, including the construction of two TVET schools, 70 classrooms, a laboratory, and the upgrading of Kirehe Hospital, all of which have boosted local development and created jobs.
