The City of Kigali has urged owners of commercial and other buildings to strengthen fire prevention measures, warning that safety systems must be properly installed, regularly inspected and accessible to protect lives and property.
In a public notice issued on November 3, 2026, the City outlined key fire safety requirements that building owners must observe following fires reported in different parts of the country in recent days.
Buildings are required to have functional fire detection systems, firefighting equipment and clearly accessible emergency exits to enable occupants to evacuate safely in the event of a fire.
Owners whose buildings already have these facilities have been urged to inspect them regularly to ensure they are in good working condition and ready for use when needed.
The City also cautioned against placing fire safety equipment in locations that are difficult to reach, stressing that buildings under construction must be fitted with adequate fire prevention and protection systems.
Electrical installations must also be handled by qualified professionals to minimise the risk of fires caused by faulty wiring or unsafe connections.
The notice further requires building owners to keep emergency exits and evacuation routes clear and unobstructed, allowing occupants to leave buildings safely during emergencies.
Owners have also been urged to train employees and residents on how to use firefighting equipment and respond appropriately when a fire breaks out.
The City emphasised that construction materials used in buildings must meet required safety standards and called on traders to comply with regulations governing the use of such materials.
