Residents in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District in the area earmarked for the Kigali Green City project have raised concerns over prolonged delays in the expropriation process, saying the uncertainty is disrupting livelihoods and delaying investments. For many, the issue goes beyond relocation or compensation. They cite a lack of clear timelines and follow-up after initial engagements with authorities, despite the project having been announced in 2020. Kigali Green City project aims to create sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable housing. It is designed to deliver durable homes aligned with modern eco-conscious living standards. ALSO READ: 10 things to know about Green City Kigali project The project partly occupies the expansive land that formerly hosted the Africa relay station for the German broadcaster DW. Through the project, affordable housing units and working spaces are expected to be developed, benefiting between 170,000 and 200,000 residents. Maritha Ahigamiye, 54, a resident of Ngaruyinka Village in Kinyinya Sector, said they have been aware of the project for over four years, yet expectations of relocation remain unmet. “Officials engaged us in several meetings to explain the project and its implications, assuring us that we would be relocated. After those discussions, we waited in anticipation, believing the process would move quickly. But as time passed, nothing happened, and we were left uncertain despite the many sessions where we had been informed and prepared for relocation,” she said. ALSO READ: Kigali Green City Project receives Rwf 10B investment She added that during meetings held at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, residents were told compensation would be paid by the end of March. However, to date, there has been neither payment nor further communication. According to Ahigamiye, the uncertainty has affected property decisions and household planning. “Those who wanted to build or sell their land have not been able to do so because we were all waiting. No one can buy property when they know expropriation is expected but not progressing. While we understand the scale and importance of the project, clearer communication and timelines are needed to enable us to plan for the future,” she said. Jean Baptiste Habiyaremye, another resident of Kinyinya, said that although initial steps such as land identification and property valuation have been carried out, progress now appears to have stalled. ALSO READ: City to turn ex-Deutsche Welle space into a forest eco-park “From what I understand, there seem to be delays. They mentioned they need about 18 hectares for the first phase, which will be used to develop TVET schools, markets, playgrounds, and roads. About six months ago, authorities identified areas where the first phase of infrastructure would pass and assessed affected properties to estimate compensation costs,” he said. Habiyaremye noted that residents were informed that funding for the initial phase was available and that property valuations had been completed based on official government rates. However, there has been no follow-up communication. “They told us they would come back after the valuation, but up to now there has been no communication. When you look at how things are progressing, it seems slow. Maybe they are still finalising the figures,” he added. ALSO READ: How Kigali became Africa's top smart city Beyond uncertainty, residents say the delays are already having tangible effects on their daily lives and economic activities. “As the delays continue, they are affecting many things. For example, I applied for a renovation permit but have not received any response in the last year, and I think it is linked to the project. This slows down development and affects livelihoods,” he said. Basil Karimba, the Chief Executive Officer of Green City Kigali, said the structured approach ensures that compensation and resettlement are conducted fairly and in line with official valuation rates, reducing the risk of disputes or misunderstandings with affected residents. He emphasised that the process is inherently time-consuming because it involves multiple layers of planning, budgeting, and legal oversight. Karimba pointed out that expropriation is not handled directly by the project developers but falls under government institutions, particularly the City of Kigali and relevant local authorities, depending on the jurisdiction. “This means that while we design and plan the projects, the actual negotiations and transfer of land ownership are conducted by the government. Our role is to provide technical input, support planning, and ensure that infrastructure comes first so that private developments can follow smoothly,” he explained. He added that some areas within the Green City master plan, particularly greenfield plots, do not require expropriation and are ready for immediate development once infrastructure such as roads, schools, and markets is in place. “Where land is already available, we can move forward with construction and infrastructure installation without waiting. But for plots that require expropriation, everything depends on the government securing the necessary resources first. Without that, we simply cannot proceed,” he said. Karimba acknowledged that delays can frustrate residents and investors alike but stressed that these pauses are necessary to ensure the project meets its objectives of inclusive urban development. “Expropriation is sensitive and affects people’s lives. That’s why the government, along with our team, takes care to plan every step carefully. It is not just about clearing land; it’s about doing it in a way that is just, equitable, and aligned with Rwanda’s urban development goals,” he said. He underlined the importance of continuous engagement between authorities, residents, and other stakeholders to manage expectations and foster understanding of the project’s timeline and objectives. Efforts to obtain a comment from the City of Kigali spokesperson on the reasons behind the delays were unsuccessful by press time. .
