The governments of Rwanda and Denmark have launched renovations of Nyarubuye Health Center, upgrading it to a “Medicalized Health Centre” at a cost of more than 6 billion Rwandan francs ($5.6 million).
The foundation stone was laid Wednesday in a ceremony led by Minister of Emergency Management Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Albert Murasira, Danish Ambassador Sahr Kpundeh, Mayor of Kirehe Bruno Rangira and other local officials in Kirehe District.
The center is being built on a 3.6-hectare site and will initially serve more than 35,000 people. By 2037, it is expected to serve over 200,000. It is located about 10 kilometers from Mahama refugee camp, the country’s largest, housing more than 70,000 refugees.
Renovation work began after the health center provided medical services for 76 years.
The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said the renovation is part of the “Jya Mbere” project, which aims to promote economic development and improve the welfare of refugees and host communities. Funding comes from Denmark’s international development program, DANIDA.
Murasira said the upgraded health center will include construction and equipment and has provided jobs for 320 people. He noted that the government, in consultation with the World Bank, recognized the need to renovate the facility after decades of service.
“The Jya Mbere project is an undeniable symbol of the government’s commitment to including everyone, especially those left behind,” he said. “This program is not only about building new structures; it is about building trust and showing the value the government places on citizens and refugees.”
Mukabugingo Speciose said Nyarubuye Health Center is the first health facility in Kirehe, built in 1946 and officially inaugurated in 1952 after the construction of the Nyarubuye Catholic Church. During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the center was attacked, but good governance allowed it to resume services.
The upgraded facility will serve residents of Mushikiri, Nasho, Mpanga, Kigina, Nyarubuye, and Mahama sectors. Speciose highlighted the need for a road connecting the health center to Kirehe District Hospital, noting that a connection between Kigina and Nasho would be ideal.
Ambassador Kpundeh said the renovation will improve maternity services, reduce malnutrition, and enhance other health services, promising to return when the project is complete.
The upgraded center will feature two surgery rooms, maternity and antenatal care wards, pediatric wards for premature babies, neonatal services, and 110 hospital beds. Renovations are expected to be completed by June 2026.
