The introduction of the modern cleaning vehicle is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at preserving Kigali's reputation as a model city for urban management and environmental sustainability.
According to Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, the vehicle is designed to sweep tarmacked roads in dirty areas using built-in brushes.
'It also has a method of cleaning roads without raising dust, by using a vacuum or suction system to remove dirt, debris, and loose materials from the road surface,' she said.
'The vehicle is equipped with a tank specifically designed to collect and store the waste it gathers, which is then transported to a designated disposal site.'
Ntirenganya added that the waste is discharged automatically and the vehicle includes 'high-pressure hoses that can be used to wash a vehicle, such as cleaning the tyres when necessary, or washing the entire vehicle when it has come from a dirty area before entering paved roads.'
She also assured that the deployment of the new vehicle will not replace current road-cleaning staff.
'The workers will remain in their roles because the vehicle does not enter drainage channels or clean other edges of the road. It also does not clean around roadside flowerbeds,' she said, adding that 'the vehicle operates from midnight, once traffic has reduced.'
The development comes as Kigali continues to draw praise for its cleanliness and innovative city management. Recognised for years as one of the cleanest cities in Africa, Kigali has consistently ranked highly in regional and international assessments.
In 2023, the city was named Africa's premier smart city in the African Smart City Index. In July 2024, it ranked third among travellers' favourite African cities.
'From urban planning to quality of life and business appeal, Kigali continues to set the bar high,' Ntirenganya said.
The city's emphasis on cleanliness dates back over a decade. In 2007, Forbes named Kigali the cleanest city in Africa. A year later, it received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. In 2018, UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim described Kigali as 'the cleanest city on the planet.'
City authorities credit these achievements to consistent environmental policies, including the 2008 plastic bag ban, as well as community initiatives such as Umuganda, a monthly national clean-up activity in which residents take part in maintaining public spaces.
WATCH:
Kigali has begun using a smart road-cleaning vehicle overnight as part of its strategy to sustain its status as one of Africa's cleanest cities. #RBANews pic.twitter.com/tAi8Kh9s3S
â€" Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) June 22, 2025
Wycliffe Nyamasege
