What You Need to Know About the Future Kinyinya Eco-Park
The Kinyinya Eco-Park will be a major highlight of the Green City Kigali Master Plan, which
Spans 600 hectares and aims to blend natural landscapes with urban development.
Location & Vision
Set on the site of the former Deutsche Welle radio station, this area is being reimagined as a
dynamic eco-park and a hub for eco-tourism. While the ideas are still in the early stages, they
align with the broader master plan’s vision.
Nature Meets Urban Living
The park will feature residential and commercial areas around its edges but will preserve existing
trees to maintain a "forest in the city" feel. The goal is to encourage eco-tourism, wellness, and
sustainable living, with both forested and water-rich zones enhancing biodiversity.
Recreation & Exploration
Plans include paths for walking, cycling, and running, plus eco-tourism activities and an
arboretum showcasing local plants and animals. Visitors will also benefit from cultural and
educational centers that highlight the park’s historical importance and environmental goals.
Accessibility Without Disruption
To ensure access without disturbing the peace, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will run along
the northern edge of the site, serving only one side of the eco-park.
A Forest With Purpose
A 70-hectare forest area is being reserved within the park, offering opportunities for investment,
environmental research, and community development. The eco-park aims to support recreation,
conservation, eco-tourism, and job creation.
Wildlife Haven
The area is already home to over 50 bird species and various small animals, alongside mature
trees and neighboring wetlands that support biodiversity, food production, and critical ecosystem
services.
Timeline & Scope
The City of Kigali completed the park's graphic design in September 2024. Construction is
scheduled to begin in 2025 in the Kinyinya Sector, covering parts of Rusenyi, Ngaruyinka,
Birembo, Taba, Binunga, and Gasharu villages. The project’s initial funding is close to Rwf 60
billion.
Designed for the Future
As part of Kigali’s 2050 Master Plan, the eco-park emphasizes a "walking city"
approach—putting people and nature first by prioritizing non-motorized, sustainable transport.
The Kinyinya Eco-Park isn’t just another green space it’s a bold step toward a cleaner, greener,
and more sustainable Kigali. With its unique mix of nature, culture, recreation, and innovation,
the park will serve as a model for eco-friendly urban living in Africa. As construction begins in
2025, this visionary project offers exciting opportunities for environmental conservation,
community engagement, and smart city development. The future of Kigali is not just about growth it’s about growing green.
Journalist Alice DUSABIMANA
