The area hummed with diverse business activities, featuring bustling shops, restaurants, retail stores, and ongoing construction work. Restaurant proprietors were actively preparing for the impending lunchtime rush. The streets were abuzz with traffic, comprised of vehicles, taxi-motos, and commuters, with some students making their way home for lunch.

Our task demanded a couple of hours, during which we visited and conversed with various business owners and long-time residents to glean their perspectives on the area.

Transformation

Haruna Nizerimana, originally born in the vicinity at a place called ‘Mirongo Ine’ in 1962, relocated to Biryogo at the age of four in 1966. He recounts stories of change and remarkable transformation.

“When we arrived, there was minimal development. The landscape consisted of a few connecting, narrow, dusty roads and farmlands where people cultivated crops. This remained the scene until 1973, when the government underwent a change following Juvénal Habyarimana’s takeover from Grégoire Kayibanda.”

“At the age of eight, it might have been my first encounter with a grader navigating these streets, and that was the state of things. It was disheartening, lacking any semblance of planning, and devoid of a proper drainage system. Biryogo seemed to be a place overlooked and neglected,” remarked Nizerimana.

He observed a positive transformation in the area when the current government initiated the construction of stone roads. Over the past five years, the introduction of tarmac roads has brought about a significant metamorphosis in Biryogo.

“The present government not only addressed the road issues but has also paved the way for tarmac and stone-laid roads, accompanied by the installation of street lights. Numerous developments are unfolding, and we are immensely grateful to the government for acknowledging us,” expressed Nizerimana, highlighting that in the past, the structures were old and in a state of disrepair.

An altered location

While Yvonne Murebwayire wasn’t originally from Biryogo, she has been a resident long enough to witness its transformation. Born in Uganda in 1971, she relocated to Biryogo due to its promising business prospects.

Upon her arrival, prevalent stereotypes portrayed Biryogo as underdeveloped and predominantly inhabited by Muslims. Contrary to these notions, Murebwayire discovered that Biryogo embraced diversity and was an inclusive community.

“When I arrived, the area wasn’t as developed as it is now. Infrastructure improvements began with stone-paved roads, progressing to tarmac roads. We’ve witnessed the emergence of new buildings, replacing the old ones,” she explained.

Despite changes like the introduction of one-way roads and car-free streets affecting the value of buildings, particularly shops, Murebwayire emphasized that these adjustments were part of a broader reorganization. Some businesses faced challenges due to reduced access, resulting in a decline in clients, but she remained optimistic, stating, “We’re adapting, doing business, and experiencing growth.”

Biryogo distinguishes itself through varying rental costs based on the shop’s location. Monthly rent for standard shops ranges from Rwf150,000 to Rwf200,000, offering a more affordable option compared to the central business district.

Rashid Kayitani Habinshuti, a native of Biryogo, spent two decades in Belgium before returning home. Despite his extended stay abroad, he remains intimately connected to the area’s history.

“I was born and raised here, then lived in Belgium for 20 years. I returned to make a difference in my country, engaging in business in Biryogo, where I still reside,” said the 48-year-old businessman.

Habinshuti asserts his deep familiarity with Biryogo’s history, having witnessed its evolution over three decades, including a period of residency outside Rwanda. This unique perspective allows him to provide insightful comparisons, particularly pre- and post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

A once-deemed “impossible” locale with a notorious reputation, Biryogo underwent a remarkable transformation witnessed by many. Initially stigmatized as underdeveloped and a haven for delinquents, it was infamous for harboring thugs and street kids engaged in theft and illicit activities. However, Biryogo’s negative history is now a thing of the past, no longer defining the area, according to Habinshuti.

Previously, ‘Tarinyota,’ a section of Biryogo housing garages and car spare parts shops, was notorious for deceitful mechanics taking advantage of car owners. This, along with other negative perceptions, tainted the image of Biryogo. Nevertheless, Habinshuti emphasized that the area has evolved, with Biryogo cell in Nyarugenge sector standing out as the sole cell without a murram road and boasting 100% street lighting.

Despite being labeled a “slum,” Biryogo is predominantly populated by traditional Muslim families or native-born residents. Contrary to stereotypes, it is reported to be home to the largest number of people living in the diaspora. Families in Biryogo, encouraged by a unique characteristic, strive to send their children abroad for study or business. This has become a driving force for development, as remittances from these diaspora members contribute significantly to supporting and uplifting their families.

The positive impact is evident in the changing landscape of Biryogo, with new buildings and refurbished houses. This trend underscores a shift in perceptions, dispelling myths that Muslims in the area are illiterate and do not prioritize education. Biryogo today is deemed safe, with a 24-hour sense of security, offering various amenities such as places to eat at any time.

Moreover, stereotypes about girls in Biryogo have been shattered. Previously confined to early marriages, today, girls in Biryogo are actively engaged in education, business, tourism, and hospitality. This positive transformation aligns with government policies promoting equal opportunities and education for all children, debunking preconceived notions about the area and its residents.

Through the Agatare Upgrading Project led by the City of Kigali, Biryogo has undergone a transformation into a contemporary urban neighborhood and a thriving business center.

The initiative aims to revitalize this area with a population density of 220/ha by enhancing housing and infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, drainage, buildings, and lighting, to create a more conducive living environment.

Funded with Rwf12.5 billion from the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank, the project commenced in 2018. So far, approximately 6.66km of roads in Biryogo have been paved and illuminated, and a functional drainage system has been established.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project is designed to elevate Biryogo into more than just a tourist attraction, incorporating elements to make it an entertainment and hospitality hub. Rudasingwa highlighted the construction of a new market, replacing the old one, providing traders with a modern setting for their business activities.