Kinyarwanda
English
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on vehicle and motorcycle owners to ensure their vehicles undergo mandatory mechanical and fuel emission inspections.
The renewed call comes as the new Automobile Inspection Centre in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, begins operations.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the expansion aims to meet public demand and promote responsible vehicle maintenance.
“This facility in Ndera is open to all motorists seeking mechanical checks and emissions testing. It handles heavy trucks from 3.5 tonnes and above, motorcycles for emissions testing, and other categories of vehicles,” ACP Rutikanga said.
"It has the capacity to inspect 450 cars and 200 motorcycles per day. It complements other centres in Remera, Rwamagana, Musanze and Huye. It will reduce congestion especially at Remera AIC and improve service efficiency, including quick emissions testing for motorcycles.”
Owners of motorcycles are encouraged to take advantage of the new facility with inspection taking just 60 seconds.
ACP Rutikanga reminded the public that motor-vehicle inspection is a legal requirement aimed at safeguarding lives and ensure healthier environment.
Eng. Innocent Mbonigaba, Coordinator of the Rwanda Emissions Inspection Program (REIP) at REMA, emphasized that vehicle emissions harm both the environment and public health.
“Since late August, more than 12,400 vehicles have been tested for emissions, and around 20 percent failed the test” he said. “We want to bring that number down significantly, that is why we continue to encourage vehicle owners to maintain their engines, replace faulty parts, and fix any issues that emit harmful emissions.”
Alphonse Tubarimo, who has been operating a moto-taxi in Kigali for the last 16 years, was the first rider to have his motorcycle tested for emissions at the Ndera centre
His motorcycle received a compliance certificate after passing emission tests.
“I am happy that my motorcycle, which I have used for five years, was the first to be inspected and to be certified under this new motorcycle emissions testing programme,” the smiling Tubarimo said.
Tubarimo recognizes the critical need to address air pollution. He draws a parallel between the soot-covered roadside poles, which were once pristine white, and human lungs that suffer from exposure to toxic fuel emissions.
This, he says, should motivate all riders to embrace emissions inspection to protect their health and the environment.
With the Ndera centre now operational, authorities say the responsibility lies with motor-vehicle owners to ensure their automobiles meet the required safety and environmental standards. RNP and REMA continue to encourage motorists to take inspection seriously—not as a burden, but as an essential contribution to safer roads and cleaner air for all.
