The project was officially launched on September 8, 2026, at RHS Kigali Bridge along KN5 Road. Covering approximately 10.4 kilometres, the road upgrade is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and strengthen connectivity between key areas of Kigali.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, H.E. Gao Wenqi, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, said the project represents another major achievement in the growing cooperation between the two countries, coming shortly after the handover of the China-aided Masaka Hospital.
“One hospital safeguards people’s well-being and one road fuels growth and prosperity,” Ambassador Gao said, adding that the successive implementation of the two projects marked “a new milestone in China-Rwanda friendship.”
He said the road project carries significant economic and social importance, noting that it connects downtown Kigali with the Kigali Special Economic Zone, the new Bugesera International Airport and the Eastern Industrial Zone, while also linking to a major eastward transport corridor leading to seaports.
“Far more than just a simple road construction project, this road is a heartfelt initiative centred on public welfare, health care and long-term growth,” he said.
The project includes upgrading the initial 1.37 kilometres into an interchange and reconstructing and widening the remaining 9.04 kilometres. Works will include overpasses, an underpass, bridges, drainage systems, street lighting and other traffic safety infrastructure.
Ambassador Gao said the project will introduce Rwanda’s first modern three-dimensional urban transport system, integrating an elevated overpass, an underpass tunnel and an upgraded dual four-lane road along the route.
He also highlighted efforts to transfer skills to Rwandans through a road and bridge training programme under the Luban Classroom, which brings practical training, technical exchanges and project management experience to Rwandan engineers and young workers.
Speaking at the same event, State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, thanked the Government of China for its grant support towards the project.
“On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, I would also wish to express our deep gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the generous grant supporting this important project,” Bizimungu said.
“These improvements will contribute significantly to better traffic flow, reduce travel time, improve road safety and strengthen connectivity across Kigali,” he said.
Kigali residents also welcomed the project, expressing hope that it will help address traffic congestion along the busy Prince House–Masaka corridor.
Denise Ingabire said the expansion would make daily travel easier, particularly during peak hours when many commuters spend considerable time in traffic.
“We experience serious traffic congestion on this road, especially during busy hours. Expanding and upgrading it will make movement easier and help people spend less time stuck in traffic,” Ingabire said.
For his part, George Biraguma said the project would improve mobility for residents and businesses using the corridor.
“This road is very important because many people use it every day. Once it is expanded, we expect traffic congestion to reduce and movement to become much smoother,” Biraguma said.
Bizimungu acknowledged that the construction works could cause temporary inconvenience and congestion and urged the public to follow designated diversion routes and cooperate with traffic management measures.
The project is expected to take about 30 months. However, the State Minister encouraged the contractor and other stakeholders to explore the possibility of completing the works in less than 20 months, or even within 15 months, without compromising quality, safety and value for money.
Once completed, the China-aided Prince House–Masaka road is expected to ease congestion, facilitate trade and logistics, improve access to essential services and support Kigali’s continued growth, while further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Rwanda and China.
