Smart-Kigali Story

Kigali Government: Internet Technology Increases Market Reach

The Minister of Youth and ICT Nsengimana j. Philbert (in the middle) testing his device for wi-fi connection at KCT. Photo by: Kigali City Official Website

The Government of Kigali in partnership with Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Agency (RURA), Rwanda Hotel & Restaurant Association and major Telecom Operators launched the Smart Kigali initiative aimed at modernizing the life style of Kigali City dwellers and visitors through use of ICT for better service delivery.

Speaking over the weekend, The Minister of Youth and ICT, Nsengimana Philbert said,  provision of free broadband Wi-Fi Internet access in public places will include commercial buildings, Bus Stations, Airport, in public transport buses and cabs; Improving Internet connectivity and access in Hotels and restaurants; establishing online automated navigation system for direction using the newly implemented street and home addressing information system; Introducing automated ticketing and taxi meters in public transport; and electronic payments systems to improve financial services.

Moreover, he said, this initiative which will contribute in delivering better services also he stressed that high speed internet connection is very useful; “We want broadband Internet accessibility to be a basic need for everyone where people can be able to access information anytime and this will speed up the country’s development where citizens can also get various services online”, noted Nsengimana.

In his said, Mayor of the City of Kigali Ndayisaba Fidele pointed out that, “This is yet another step in advancing the use of ICT in our city and it will enhance service delivery, access to information for the city residents”

Ndayisaba also emphasized that, “high speed internet connection and easy access will also make the visitors’ experience in Kigali more enjoyable”. He added that the City of Kigali is committed to the use of ICT for a better City.

He further Mayor Ndayisaba said, to start with, free Wi-Fi in public places will be provided at Union Trade Center, Kigali City Tower, Kigali City Market, MTN Center, Nyabugogo Bus Park, Remera-Kisementi, Stade Amahoro, Kigali Public Library, Kanombe International Airport, KBC, Kacyiru Ministere, KIST and KIE. Internet connectivity at these sites will be powered by BSC Ltd, MTN Rwanda, TIGO Rwanda Ltd, AIRTEL, LIQUID Telecom and ISPA.

Also he said, the City of Kigali is going to work with Google to publish base map data for Kigali on the Google map. The base map data will comprise of features such as Road or street labels, Street addresses, Class of road, City names and borders and Kigali is now online, he added that, these services will position Kigali not only as a clean city but also a connected and smart city.