Residents in Kigali’s suburbs are calling for more public transport routes to ease movement of people and goods, as demand for improved connectivity continues to grow. The calls come as the City of Kigali prepares to launch a new 24-kilometre bus route linking Nyabugogo Bus Terminal and Shyorongi Business Centre in Rulindo District, expected to be operational by October this year. Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said the new line follows the construction of Shyorongi Bus Station, which was designed to address transport challenges and boost trade between Kigali and Rulindo. ALSO READ: Another bus company to serve Kigali routes “The city has deployed a team of transport experts to ensure smooth connectivity between the two areas. In partnership with Ecofleet Solutions Ltd, we are developing the Nyabugogo–Shyorongi route, complete with signposts, bus stops, and a digital fare payment system,” she said. Beyond Shyorongi, two more routes—Nyabugogo–Bishenyi and Nyabugogo–Gihara—are also in the place. Residents demand more routes In Muyumbu, a fast-growing satellite area of Kigali located in Rwamagana District, residents say a new bus line and a tarmac road are urgently needed to connect Rugende and Muyumbu. ALSO READ: 100 new buses start operations in Kigali “Kigali, Kicukiro, Gasabo, and Rwamagana all converge here. Yet, there’s no proper bus service for us,” said Eric Imanishimwe, a resident of Rwamagana. In Nyarugenge’s Mageragere Sector, residents have asked for routes covering the Mageragere–Nyaruyenzi–Rebero and Mageragere–Kavumu roads. “Kavumu Centre is beyond Mageragere, but buses stop short. Many people are forced to walk, even though Nyaruyenzi is a busy hub with a health centre,” said Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana. In Gasabo District, residents of Gasanze want routes to Kimironko, the city centre, and along the Gasanze–Birembo–Zindiro road, which is slated for rehabilitation but still incomplete. ALSO READ: Kigali City names three roads to be dedicated to public buses “The only available line is Nyabugogo–Gasanze via Batsinda, which is very limiting,” said commuter Theogene Nsengimana. “We also need routes to Kacyiru and Downtown, as well as Kimironko via Birembo.” Workers in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone have also called for dedicated transport services to ease commuting. Ongoing expansion In 2024, Kigali unveiled several new public transport routes, including Nyanza–Gahanga–Nunga, Masaka–Special Economic Zone, Nyabugogo–Karuruma–Jali, Nyacyonga–Rutunga, and Bumbogo–Kimironko. Others include connections from Remera, Masaka, and Kicukiro to various neighbourhoods and economic centres. ALSO READ: CoK mulls new transport system to ease traffic congestion Currently, 14 companies and four individuals are licensed to operate bus services in the city. According to City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, services are organised within seven transport corridors to cover Kigali’s main urban and peri-urban areas. “We will continue working with RURA to identify gaps and ensure buses are available where needed,” the Mayor said in 2024. As Kigali expands and its suburbs grow denser, the pressure to match infrastructure development with efficient transport services remains a top priority for city residents.
