As some residents raise concerns over being asked to pay 19% on the value of land they sold, the City of Kigali explains that this is a standard procedure guided by planned residential development regulations.
A WhatsApp message that circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showed a resident expressing shock after being asked to pay 19% of the proceeds from the sale of his plot in Nduba.
He said:
“I was shocked. I was selling a plot in Nduba but was told that when you sell, you must pay 19% to the site. Isn’t that unfair?”
This concern was brought to the attention of journalist Oswald from RadioTV10, who shared it on social media. The Kigali City administration responded with an explanation.
In its response, the City of Kigali said:
“Yes, it’s possible that a person may be required to contribute 19% to the site, or another percentage set by landowners. This rate is usually between 17% and 23%.”
According to authorities, when a residential site is planned, a “physical plan” is prepared that outlines how land is divided and designates a portion for infrastructure like roads, water systems, and other public utilities.
The land contribution is not imposed arbitrarily but is calculated based on the infrastructure required on each land parcel owned by citizens.
The city explained:
“Sometimes, a road might pass through only one person’s land or a few others. Those individuals need to be compensated through collective contribution from others — either by giving land or its equivalent value in money.”
Officials further clarified that if someone hasn’t yet contributed their share in land or funds, they are required to do so when they sell the property. That way, the profit earned contributes toward fulfilling their civic obligation in the development process.
“Those who have cash pay it directly. Those who don’t pay once they sell.”
Although the city says these contributions aim to promote orderly development, some residents argue that the extra building charges — like the 19% levy — are not well understood by the public, especially by those who can’t afford to pay when selling property.
