Residents living along the Kayumbu–Karama road in Rwanda’s Kamonyi District are celebrating the impact of ongoing road construction works, which they say have significantly reduced transport costs and improved daily mobility.

Before the road was rehabilitated, poor conditions made it difficult and expensive to travel — especially for those accessing markets or healthcare facilities. But now, community members say prices for motorcycle taxis (motos) have dropped drastically.

Transport Fares Drop by Over 70%

Mutuyimana Ester, a resident of Karama Sector, recalls paying up to 2,000 Rwandan Francs (Frw) to travel by motorcycle to the Murara Market. Today, she pays only 600 Frw.

“When the road was still in bad condition, we struggled to move around. I used to pay 2,000 Frw just to go to the market. But now that the road is much better, I spend no more than 600 Frw,” she said.
“This road has really solved a major mobility challenge we had.”

Shumbusho Straton, from Kayumbu Sector, also noted the positive change.

“Previously, getting to a health center could cost up to 1,700 Frw on a moto. Today, the same trip costs just 700 Frw — and if a moto tries to charge more, we can easily find another one,” he explained.

Better Healthcare Access for Local Residents

The Mayor of Kamonyi District, Dr. Nahayo Sylvere, emphasized that the road works are already delivering social benefits — especially for those needing medical attention.

“Constructing the Karama–Kayumbu road has resolved many issues, particularly easing access to Kayumbu Health Center. Even ambulances can now easily transport patients from remote areas to Rukoma Hospital,” he stated.

Road to Be Completed in Two Phases

The Karama–Kayumbu road project is being implemented in two phases:

• Phase 1: Currently underway, covering 6.8 kilometers, with a total budget of over 560 million Rwandan Francs.
• Phase 2: Will extend more than 8 kilometers, connecting Manyana Market to the Muhanga–Kigali tarmac road at Gaperi. This phase is pending funding.

Conclusion: A Road to Opportunity

For residents of Kamonyi, the new road is more than just tarmac — it’s a pathway to opportunity, easing access to healthcare, markets, and reducing the cost of living. As the second phase awaits budget allocation, locals remain hopeful that full completion will further transform their livelihoods and regional development.