Five buildings closed over fire safety violations in Kigali cleared to reopen

By The Inspirer.

The City of Kigali has authorised five buildings that had been closed over failure to meet fire safety requirements to resume operations after addressing the shortcomings identified during inspections.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the city authorities announced that the buildings had been cleared to reopen and resume their activities effective the same day.

The buildings are Catchup Building, Gahoromani Market in Masaka, Real Contractors Workshop in Gikondo, Ntaganzwa House and Eden Tower, both located in Nyarugenge District.

The city said the buildings were cleared after meeting fire prevention requirements that had previously been found to be lacking during inspections.

“The City of Kigali administration informs the public that the five buildings previously closed for failing to comply with fire safety requirements have now been cleared to reopen, effective November 13, 2026,” the statement read.

The authorities also urged owners of other buildings that remain closed to speed up efforts to meet the required standards so they can resume operations.

The requirements include addressing deficiencies identified during inspections, implementing fire prevention measures and complying with wastewater management regulations.

“The City of Kigali administration urges those whose buildings remain closed to expedite the implementation of fire prevention and wastewater management requirements,” the statement added.

The city reminded building owners and managers of their responsibility to maintain their premises and regularly ensure that fire prevention equipment and systems are available and functioning properly.

These include fire extinguishers, early fire detection systems, emergency response arrangements and clearly designated evacuation routes.

Part of ongoing safety inspections

The reopening is part of ongoing inspections by the City of Kigali targeting commercial buildings and other premises to ensure they meet fire safety standards.

In late October 2026, the city announced plans to temporarily close five buildings, including Kabuga Industrial Park, Umukindo and Comejoga in Gisozi, ASMMS Ltd in Kicukiro and Gahoromani Market, over failure to meet fire prevention requirements.

On November 4, 2026, it announced that another 10 buildings and commercial establishments were also facing closure. They included Catchup Building, Gatenga Industrial Park, Gahanga Industrial Park, Rwanda Foam Showroom, KAL Plaza, N&B Plaza, Eden Tower, Matheus House, Ntaganzwa House and Ndaru Arcade.

At the time, the city explained that buildings would only be allowed to reopen after addressing the shortcomings identified during inspections and undergoing further assessments to confirm compliance.

The measures are intended to protect the lives of people working in or visiting the buildings, as well as traders and their property, which could be damaged by fires.

The City of Kigali urged building owners and managers not to wait for inspections or accidents before complying with safety regulations, but to make fire prevention and safety management a continuous responsibility.