Kigali’s skyline may be growing upward, but its roads are increasingly straining sideways. The newly announced transformation of the Sonatube, Gishushu, and Kwa Lando junctions under the Kigali Urban Transport Infrastructure (KUTI) project could not have come at a better time. For a city expanding as quickly as Kigali, both demographically and economically, the ability to move people and goods efficiently is a necessity. Every commuter in Kigali knows the frustration of inching through Sonatube or Gishushu during rush hour. These daily traffic bottlenecks are costly in real terms. Think about lost productivity, wasted fuel, and unnecessary stress. The proposed flyovers, underpasses, and smart traffic systems are therefore a welcome move. They represent Kigali’s evolution into a city built for the future, a city that understands that urban growth must be matched with intelligent, inclusive infrastructure. The details are promising. From a 500-metre flyover at Gishushu to a 740-metre underpass at Kwa Lando and accessible pedestrian crossings with braille traffic lights, the designs reflect a shift toward a more human-centered city. The inclusion of Variable Message Signs to guide drivers in real-time, along with plans for dedicated bus lanes, shows that Kigali is is adding more concrete and building smarter. But for all its ambition, timing will be everything. Kigali’s traffic situation is getting worse every day. Fixing this as soon as possible could do more good. The government has secured funding for the first phase, now it must ensure that construction proceeds with urgency and minimal disruption. Infrastructure is not just about movement; it’s about confidence. When roads flow, so does commerce, tourism, and opportunity. Kigali’s ability to attract investment and sustain its reputation as Africa’s cleanest, most efficient city depends on how quickly it can match its vision with action.
