Rwandan Capital Scoops Wellbeing City Award

Rwanda’s capital Kigali has won a 2019 Wellbeing City Award.

The international award seeks to recognise cities where wellbeing is prioritised and considered as an important factor in city planning.

Kigali received the award as a result of its bimonthly car-free day, which was recognised as an innovative and progressive initiative. Following its introduction in 2016 the initiative has been extended to several more districts in the country and often involves the participation of top government officials, including the President himself.

Non-profit NewCities, along with the Novartis Foundation and the City of Montreal, announced the award. 

"The City of Kigali has been selected for their Kigali Car Free Day. Every first and third Sunday of the month, the citizens of Kigali are encouraged to leave their cars at home and attend a free community event with sports activities and medical check-ups," NewCities stated.

The Mayor of Kigali, Marie-Chantal Rwakazina, expressed her delight at the award stating, "We thank our citizens who have embraced the Car Free Days and all our partners who have made this innovative activity a success. We shall continue fostering the wellbeing of our citizens and we intend to multiply efforts and expand the Car Free Day.”