Only 3,000 sites have been designated for settlement in order to preserve arable land and accommodate other land uses, the minister of environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, said while appearing before Members of Parliament on February 17, to address land-related issues.
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"Previously, as the population increased, citizens could build houses wherever they wished due to the absence of a land use master plan. This led to the establishment of 14,000 settlement sites. However, an assessment found that, to ensure efficient land use, including preserving arable land, allocating space for infrastructure, green areas, industrial zones and other development activities, we must retain only 3,000 sites set aside for settlement in line with the land use master plan,” she said.
She noted that only 15.2 per cent of the country’s land has been allocated to settlement.
"This change means that some residents were found to be living on agricultural land where they had previously built houses. These landowners will remain on that land, but no new construction will be permitted,” she explained.
She added that limiting the number of settlement sites will facilitate the provision of basic infrastructure.
According to the minister, every cell has been allocated two settlement sites to promote urbanisation and protect arable land.
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Rwanda’s urbanisation rate is projected to increase from 35 per cent of the total population in 2024 to 52.7 per cent by 2035, and to 70 per cent by 2050, in line with the new National Urbanisation Policy.
According to the National Land Authority, 15.4 million people, equivalent to 70 per cent of the projected population of 22.1 million in 2050, will be living in urban areas.
The country previously had 28 urban areas, which were expected to accommodate only 35 per cent of the total population.
Following the review, rapid urban population growth will require 101 urban areas, classified into five categories.
Districts’ detailed land use plans
A key component of the National Land Use and Development Master Plan (NLUDMP) 2020–2050 involves the development of detailed land use plans for districts, including the City of Kigali, indicating settlement sites and protected land.
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Arakwiye said that only three districts, Ngororero, Burera and Rutsiro, are yet to finalise detailed land use plans.
"The development of land use plans for these three districts began in April 2025. The plans for Burera and Rutsiro were submitted to district councils in 2025, while the plan for Ngororero was submitted in October 2025. They will subsequently be presented to the cabinet for approval,” she said.
She added that each district has pledged between 20 and 50 hectares for demarcated settlement sites under physical plans to make residential plots available.
MP Balinda Rutebuka said the government should clearly explain the situation of residents whose land use designation has changed.
"If a resident was living in an area that is later redesignated as an agricultural zone, their situation should be clearly explained,” he noted.
He cited the example of 18 villages in Kirehe District whose area was converted into an agricultural zone.
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"No water or electricity connections can be provided because it is no longer classified as a residential zone. Residents cannot repair or build new houses,” he explained.
The ministry of environment sought to allay fears, stating that off-grid energy and other basic services would still be provided.