An infrastructure project expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 will see junctions along Sonatubes-Gishushu-Kwa Lando areas upgraded, as part of the ongoing efforts to ease transport in the city.
The New Times has learned that over Rwf145 billion is the estimated cost of the upcoming upgrades.
The budget will cover the construction of the three junctions, social infrastructure to support local communities, expropriation and livelihood restoration, road safety measures, and a series of studies.
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The upgrades are part of the initial phase of the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement (KUTI) project, which will run over three years, following a detailed design that is expected to commence in July 2026.
According to Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the process for selecting the company that will lead the construction work has started.
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Imena Munyampenda, Director General of RTDA, noted that expropriation will be required to enable the expansion and realignment of roadways and all affected people will be compensated fairly and in accordance with the expropriation law.
"A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is in place and will be implemented,” said.
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"The project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities. Since it will be implemented under a design-and-build approach, the exact number of jobs will be determined once the detailed design is completed and the construction methodology is finalised.”
City officials expect the project to significantly improve public transport integration.
"Much is being done to expand transport options in Kigali, including the introduction of electric buses. The Sonatubes, Kwa Lando, and Gishushu junctions were identified by experts as major bottlenecks where traffic jams are frequent,” explained Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communication and Community Education.
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Ntirenganya further explained that traffic management measures will be in place during construction to ensure minimal disruption.
"We are planning road diversions and alternative routes so that construction does not halt traffic flow. People will still be able to move freely, using new roads developed in parallel with the project,” she said.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided financial support for the project, approving a loan of $100 million (approximately Rwf145 billion) for the KUTI initiative.
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At Kwa Lando junction, engineers plan a 740-metre underpass tunnel with signalisation and geometric improvements, while Gishushu junction will feature a 500-metre flyover bridge to separate traffic levels.
Sonatubes junction will have a 620-metre underpass along KN3 Road to facilitate smoother traffic movement. The interventions aim to reduce congestion, especially during peak hours, and improve pedestrian safety.
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