Land Expropriation

Land Expropriation in Rwanda

Land expropriation is governed by Law N° 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 relating to expropriation in the public interest.

Key Legal Principle

Article 3 stipulates that only the government has authority to carry out expropriation. No person shall hinder the implementation of expropriation programs on pretext of self-centred interests.

Grounds for Expropriation

Expropriation may only occur for activities of public interest, including:

Infrastructure development (roads, utilities)

Public facilities (schools, hospitals)

Environmental protection projects

Urban planning and development

Mining and mineral discovery

National security purposes

Compensation Requirements

Forms of Compensation:

Fair compensation can be paid in monetary form in Rwandan currency

Or in any other form mutually agreed upon by parties

Compensation must be paid before relocation

Valuation Process:

Land values established by the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda

Valuers submit reports to District/City of Kigali Mayor

Reports include list of persons, land size, property value, and fair compensation

Dispute Resolution

If not satisfied with assessed value:

Within 7 days of approval, indicate grounds for dissatisfaction in writing

Engage a valuer at own expense for counter-assessment

Appeal to competent courts if unresolved

Post-Publication Restrictions

After publication of expropriation decision, landowners shall not develop any long-term activities on the land - such activities will not be compensable.