City of Kigali (CoK)
The Pitch
The City of Kigali developed a plan to guide city modification and stabilization and adapted it according to the concerns of stakeholders. The subsequent projects developed ensured that residents received economic and quality of life benefits.
The Problem
Genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda destroyed human resources, infrastructure, government stability and traumatized local populations. As a result, Kigali had few economic opportunities, many informal settlements and a growing population it could not support.
The Process
- Revised and implemented an updated master plan for inclusive urbanization based on core principles of economic development, public engagement, quality of life improvements, global image, resilient placemaking and sustainability
- Facilitated community and grassroots participation in the planning process and made the master plan open for public feedback
- Restored and conserved natural areas and public spaces around the city
- Ran educational campaigns to raise public awareness about the program
- Created the Kigali Special Economic Zone to house businesses
- Integrated informal settlements and affordable housing solutions into the fabric of the city with improved infrastructure and public facilities
- Designed Kigali’s first public spaces: a car-free zone and a 500-meter pedestrian corridor
- Built Kigali Convention Center, Kigali Innovation City (a tech hub and innovation campus), Kigali Arena and Imbuga City Walk
- Launched construction of Norrsken Kigali House, an entrepreneurial hub
The Impact
- Brings business and recognition to the city via global events held at the Kigali Convention Center
- Attracted $2 billion+ in investment and created 14,684+ permanent jobs via creation of the Special Economic Zone, home to 126 operational companies
- Strengthened the local economy and created new livelihoods
- Ensured that residents of all incomes receive quality of life benefits from the master plan
- Provided a new car-free multi-functional recreational space (Imbuga City Walk) that is accessible for community members of all incomes
- Encourages creation of more public spaces: The City of Kigali is creating new bike paths and piloting a bus lane system
- Inspired the creation of citizen-led projects across the city and country
- Ensures that residents’ needs are met through continual, mandatory public evaluations
