Rwanda Development Board Postpones Kwita Izina 2024

The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated Kwita Izina 2024, the annual baby gorilla naming ceremony. The event, originally scheduled for October 18, will now be rescheduled, with a new date to be communicated later.

In a public notice released on October 8, RDB shared the update via social media, leaving many awaiting further details on the rescheduled ceremony. The 2024 edition was set to mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic event, where 22 baby gorillas born in the past year were to receive their names. Traditionally held in Kinigi, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, Kwita Izina celebrates Rwanda’s conservation efforts and the communities surrounding the habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has named 395 baby gorillas and played a significant role in boosting Rwanda’s tourism industry. RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, Michaella Rugwizangoga, highlighted the ceremony’s contribution to the country’s remarkable tourism growth, particularly gorilla tourism, which alone contributes 1% to Rwanda’s GDP.

The annual event draws global attention, with celebrities, international tourism leaders, and media personalities joining Rwandans in celebrating the conservation milestones achieved over the years. High-profile guests, including football and movie stars, were expected to attend this year’s edition.

In addition to its economic impact, Kwita Izina has helped foster local community development. Since 2005, over Rwf12.86 billion has been invested in 1,108 community projects such as schools, health centers, and dairy farms. These initiatives have empowered communities to become conservation champions, protecting the wildlife and environment in national parks like Volcanoes, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura, and Nyungwe.

The new date for Kwita Izina 2024 is eagerly awaited, as the country continues to emphasize the importance of gorilla conservation and community engagement.

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