Kigali, Rwanda | The Government of Rwanda has approved a Ministerial Order introducing emissions testing fees for non-electric vehicles and motorbikes, in a step aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting public health.
The policy was passed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on July 30 at Urugwiro Village.
The new directive mandates emissions testing as part of broader national efforts to improve air quality, enforce environmental standards, and encourage a shift toward cleaner transportation.
“The Cabinet approved a Ministerial Order establishing emissions testing fees for non-electric vehicles and motorbikes. As part of efforts to improve air quality and protect public health, this initiative is designed to strengthen enforcement of national emission standards, promote broader environmental protection and safeguard the health of Rwandans,” the Cabinet communiqué stated.
Kigali and other urban centers have experienced rising levels of air pollution in recent years, largely attributed to a surge in fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
According to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), vehicle emissions account for over 60 percent of ambient air pollutants in the capital, with particulate matter levels often exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) safety thresholds.
The emissions testing policy is expected to target older and high-emission vehicles, requiring them to undergo regular inspection.
Vehicles found to be non-compliant will either be subject to repair or face deregistration. The initiative is also expected to incentivize a gradual transition to electric vehicles, which are exempt from the testing fees.
This move aligns with Rwanda’s broader environmental agenda, as outlined in the Vision 2050 strategy and the country’s commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. Rwanda has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent by 2030.
In recent years, the government has banned single-use plastics, introduced green transport incentives, and encouraged investment in electric mobility solutions.
Beyond the emissions policy, the Cabinet also approved several other measures, including the allocation of state land to Africa Health Sciences University (AHSU) for the development of a Medical Education Campus, and the accreditation of International Covenant College to offer new academic programs in Digital Media Technology and Early Childhood Development.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the credentials of new ambassadors and high commissioners to Rwanda, including representatives from Egypt, Mali, Lesotho, and Georgia.