Nyabisindu, a neighborhood in Kigali’s Gasabo District, once known for crowded homes and poor infrastructure, is now at the center of one of Rwanda’s most ambitious urban renewal efforts. A major housing upgrade project is underway to replace informal settlements with safer, modern living spaces.
Covering more than 38 hectares, the Nyabisindu project will deliver 1,639 housing units across 58 residential blocks. Roads, drainage systems, electricity, and green spaces are all being redesigned to improve living standards for families who have long faced challenges in accessing basic services.
“This project reflects our commitment to sustainable urban transformation,” said Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure. “We are not just building homes; we are restoring dignity, enhancing public infrastructure, and reducing existing informal settlements. Every Rwandan deserves a decent place to live.”
The initiative is part of Kigali’s broader strategy to eliminate high-risk and informal housing, following earlier improvements introduced under the Mpazi model. Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of the City of Kigali, emphasized the community-centered approach:
“Nyabisindu marks a significant step in scaling up the Mpazi model across Kigali. In close collaboration with citizens, we are creating resilient communities where no one is left behind.”
On the ground, signs of transformation are already visible. Narrow, muddy pathways are giving way to paved streets, while water and electricity infrastructure is being expanded. Plans also include recreational areas where children can play safely and residents can access community facilities.
Still, the shift is not without challenges. Temporary relocation for affected families, ensuring that new units remain affordable, and long-term upkeep of the neighborhood will require continued coordination between authorities and residents.
For many locals, however, the project signals renewed opportunity. A resident who has lived in Nyabisindu for more than two decades shared, “We are hopeful. Our children will grow up in a better environment than we did.”
As Kigali continues to grow, the Nyabisindu upgrade demonstrates how investment, thoughtful design, and community engagement can transform an area turning a once-overlooked neighborhood into a model for inclusive urban development.
