Navigating Kigali: A guide to paperless parking and self-drive car rentals

What you need to know:
Initially, parking fee billing and payment were done manually where a staff from KVCS would approach your vehicle and stitch a paper bill on your windscreen once you parked
Following a deal between MTN and Kigali Veterans Cooperative Society (KVS), street parking in Kigali in November 2017 switched to a paperless billing system with the aim of making parking payments prompt for motorists. Once you park your car in Kigali, an SMS is sent to your phone notifying you that your car is being checked-in in a parking lot at a specified location.
Initially, parking fee billing and payment were done manually where a staff from KVCS would approach your vehicle and stitch a paper bill on your windscreen once you parked. After your business, the same staff would have to clear you but sometimes they would disappear and mark you as a defaulter.
With the new system, you do not need KVCS staff clearance to exit the parking lot. Payment is done by dialing 779.
Once you enter the above digits, the system requests you to register the vehicle’s number plate and to provide a preferable payment mode. You can decide to pay the fee immediately or within 7 days, after which you’ll be fined 10,000 RWF. The system also provides information on non-cleared bills. Also important to note is that for this to work, the vehicle has to be registered in the system and this makes payments easy, while the information database can be used in tracking a lost vehicle or resolving complaints arising from mistaken e-tickets.
PaperlessParking andNewtravelers
In an instance of a traveler on a Rwanda car hire and doesn’t have a SIM card, the SMS is sent to the rental agency, who may pay the fee and may be add it to your rental fee. In other cases, you will pay cash to the rental agency and they clear the parking fee.
Self-drive car rentals in Kigali have become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and convenience to tourists and locals alike. If you opt for a rental car, it’s important to understand how the paperless parking system operates to avoid unnecessary fines or inconveniences. Most rental agencies ensure their vehicles are registered in the parking system, simplifying the payment process. While planning a car rental in Kigali, confirm with the agency if the vehicle has any outstanding parking fees and clarify the procedure for handling new parking charges during your rental period.
It is important to note that parking fees are not included in the car rental package, so they’ll have to be paid separately. Always ask your rental agent if the vehicle you’re given has parking arrears so that you do not pay for parking fees you did not use.
Quick Illustration of the Parking System
Here is an illustration of the parking fees in Kigali: • Small vehicles and motorcycles pay 100 RWF per hour, 500 RWF a day, and 10,000 RWF a month. • Small lorries and minibuses are charged 200 RWF an hour, 1,000 RWF a day, and 12,000 RWF a month. • If you’re driving a heavy truck without a trailer, a bus, or a tractor, you’ll pay 400 RWF an hour, 2,000 RWF a day, and 15,000 RWF a month. • Vehicles with a trailer and heavy machinery used for construction works and road construction are charged 1,000 RWF an hour, 5,000 RWF a day, and 20,000 RWF a month.
All the above fees can be paid in cash to the KVCS staff or via mobile money if your vehicle is registered in the system.
For tourists exploring Kigali and beyond, even those going for Rwanda gorilla safaris or other adventures need to understand that this parking system is an essential part of planning the trip. Many visitors prefer self-drive rentals as they allow for a more personalized and independent experience. Rental agencies often provide detailed guidance on parking regulations in Kigali, ensuring their clients have a smooth experience navigating the city.
In Kigali, parking fees are paid by anyone who parks his/her vehicle in parking lots determined by a decentralized entity, and the fees vary depending on the category of your vehicle and are charged hourly, daily, or monthly.
Exempted Vehicles
There are some vehicles that are exempted from paying parking fees in Kigali when on official duty, for example:
• Vehicles owned by the State, its institutions, and projects when they have their identification plates
• Vehicles belonging to an Embassy
• Vehicles of the United Nations and other international organizations having specific agreements with the Government of Rwanda
• Special vehicles designed for disabled persons.
In general, each parking space must have a parking signpost. Parking spaces located on private property are managed by the owners who may have different parking fees from public parking.
Ensure to properly lock your car and do not leave any valuables inside the car because the parking management is not liable in case of any theft. You may find notes like “Parking is at owner’s risk” in many parking lots, so be vigilant.
For those exploring Kigali through self-drive rentals, the city’s structured parking system provides convenience and efficiency. Rental agencies often provide insights and tips on navigating parking and ensure vehicles are well-maintained to give clients a seamless driving experience. By familiarizing yourself with these parking rules and the paperless system, you can focus on enjoying your time in Rwanda without worrying about parking issues.