Kigali City authorities have introduced new safety regulations governing welding activities as part of efforts to reduce fire outbreaks affecting businesses and buildings across the capital.
The measures follow several recent fire incidents that have caused property damage and financial losses, raising concerns about safety in commercial and industrial premises.
Recent Fire Incident Prompts Action
The new measures were announced following a fire that broke out at a carpentry workshop in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District, on November 2, 2026.
The fire damaged a building used for woodworking before Rwanda National Police officers brought it under control.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicated that the fire may have originated from welding activities inside the building. A person suspected of involvement in the incident is currently being questioned by the relevant authorities.
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New Safety Requirements for Welding Activities
Under the new regulations, welding activities must only be conducted after electrical wiring and related installations have been inspected and approved.
Kigali City emphasized that buildings where welding takes place must have adequate fire-prevention systems and other safety measures to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks. Authorities also directed that welding should not be conducted near flammable materials.
Responsibilities for Building Owners and Welders
Building owners have been urged to regularly inspect electrical installations and ensure they can safely support the power demands of activities conducted on their premises.
Welders have also been instructed to carry basic firefighting equipment to help contain fires before they spread. In addition, the city encouraged building owners to train workers and other occupants on emergency response procedures.
Authorities further called on businesses and commercial building owners to obtain adequate insurance coverage to help reduce potential financial losses in the event of fire incidents.
Recent Fires Raise Safety Concerns
The regulations come amid a series of fires affecting business premises in different parts of Rwanda. One such incident occurred at Gisozi Industrial Park in October 2026, where a fire damaged workshops, storage facilities and artisan businesses.
Another major fire affected GOICO Market in Musanze District, with preliminary reports suggesting that welding activities may have contributed to the incident.
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Kigali Strengthens Fire Prevention Measures
Kigali City authorities say the new regulations are intended to improve public safety and reduce losses caused by fire outbreaks.
Their effectiveness will depend on how consistently building owners, businesses and welders comply with the requirements and how authorities enforce the safety measures.
