Every day, many people working in Kigali commute back to Bishenyi, Ruyenzi, and Gihara, enjoying the convenience of public transport linking them directly to Nyabugogo bus station.
Some who once dreamed of living in Kigali but built modern homes in Kamonyi have since decided to stay, convinced by the district's rapid pace of development and its promising future that increasingly mirrors Kigali's urban growth.
Looking ahead, Kamonyi's development vision focuses on projects that will strengthen its connection with Kigali, while also integrating surrounding districts such as Muhanga, Bugesera, Ruhango, and Gakenke.
According to the 2023â€"2050 Master Plan for Settlement and Land Use, Kamonyi is expected to evolve over the next 25 years into a hub for agro-business, sports, entertainment, and modern housing, reinforcing its role as a true secondary city complementing the capital.
Nyabarongo wetlands
The Government of Rwanda plans to transform the Nyabarongo wetlands, particularly the Kamuhanda area, into a major tourism attraction. It will serve as a modern gateway into Kamonyi for visitors arriving from Kigali.
The site will be developed into a beautiful recreational zone with designated spaces for relaxation, social activities, and an information center to guide tourists.
The Nyabarongo Bridge will also be upgraded, redesigned with towering skyward pillars that will make it a striking architectural landmark. According to the master plan, its new design will symbolize the strong link between Kigali and Kamonyi.
In addition, the area will feature a cable car line connecting to Kamonyi's town center, offering tourists an aerial view of the district's natural beauty, especially the Nyabarongo wetlands.
Ruyenzi modernized
Ruyenzi, considered the urban core of Kamonyi, is undergoing a steady transformation as new infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential developments continue to reshape its image.
The center is set to feature modern road interchanges to improve transport services, alongside the redevelopment of its existing small industrial zone.
With the establishment of a new industrial park in Muhanga, traffic along the main highway passing through Kamonyi is expected to increase significantly. To ease congestion, plans include the construction of a 44-meter-wide underground road to serve as a bypass.
Ruyenzi will also host a modern football stadium on the current Runda pitch, along with entertainment facilities designed to accommodate major district and national events that bring large crowds together.
Bishenyi elevated to urban status
Bishenyi, home to Kamonyi's main bus terminal that connects passengers traveling between Kigali and the Southern Province, is set for a major transformation. Although the current terminal is poorly developed, plans are underway to modernize it, turning it into a showcase of the district's progress.
The future Bishenyi will serve as a hub for modern shopping centers, upgraded residential areas, and an agro-processing and livestock industrial zone. It will also host Kamonyi's largest market.
A signature monument will be built in the center, artistically crafted to symbolize unity, culture, and development, while serving as a welcoming landmark for visitors and prospective residents.
The Bishenyi wetland, currently loaned to local farmers for cultivation, will also be rehabilitated to enhance its natural beauty and conserve the rich biodiversity that exists within it.
Remera-Rukoma
Remera-Rukoma, Musambira, and Mugina are identified as emerging urban service centers, expected to continue expanding and attracting a growing population.
The Remera-Rukoma Hospital is set to be upgraded to provincial level, with a multi-storey facility bringing together a wide range of specialized medical services to improve healthcare delivery in the Southern Province.
In line with the country's broader vision, a new district hospital will be built in Mugina to complement Remera-Rukoma, while each sector across Kamonyi will be equipped with at least two health centers.
Mugina will also host a modern bus terminal, featuring a passenger waiting area, ticketing offices, and information services. The project will be implemented with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
According to the 2022 census, Kamonyi had a population of 450,849. Projections suggest that by 2035 the population will exceed 600,000, and by 2050 it will surpass 850,000, underscoring the need for these ambitious urban developments.
IGIHE
