Nyabugogo Urban Redevelopment: A New Gateway for Kigali by RISE Group

The redevelopment is not merely a facelift; it is a structural overhaul designed to accommodate the 100,000+ passengers who pass through Nyabugogo daily. RISE Group’s approach focuses on the reconfiguration of the intermodal hub, creating a seamless flow between:

• National and International Bus Routes: Modernized docking and passenger waiting areas.

• Intra-city Public Transport: Dedicated lanes and organized taxi-moto zones.

• Pedestrian Connectivity: Safe, elevated, or separated walkways to reduce the current chaos of foot traffic mixing with heavy vehicles.

Solving the Environmental Puzzle

Nyabugogo’s location at the foot of Kigali’s hills makes it a natural drainage point, frequently leading to flash floods during the rainy season. RISE Group’s technical plan addresses these hydraulic challenges head-on:

• Sustainable Drainage: Integration with the wider Kigali Wetland Park project to manage stormwater runoff.

• Resilient Infrastructure: Use of climate-smart materials and engineering techniques that protect the terminal from rising water levels in the nearby Nyabugogo River and wetlands.

Beyond Transport: A Mixed-Use Destination

Aligned with the Kigali Master Plan 2050, the redevelopment introduces high-density commercial and tertiary zones. This includes:

• Commercial Towers: Modern office spaces and retail outlets that leverage the high footfall of the terminal.

• Public Green Spaces: Transforming peripheral areas into recreational zones that link the urban environment with the restored Nyabugogo wetlands.

• Digital Integration: Smart ticketing systems and real-time passenger information displays, positioning the hub as a tech-forward gateway to the city.

• Mobility :Reduction in traffic congestion and turnaround times for public transport.

• Safety : Dedicated non-motorized transport (NMT) paths to protect pedestrians.

• Economy : Creation of thousands of jobs during construction and within new retail spaces.

• Environment : Restoration of the local ecosystem through flood-mitigation infrastructure.

As Kigali continues its rapid ascent as an African "smart city," the Nyabugogo Urban Redevelopment stands as a flagship project for the RISE Group. By blending functional transport logistics with sustainable urban design, the project promises to turn a site of historical congestion into a symbol of Rwandan efficiency and environmental stewardship.