Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would say yes. It is very hilly and I haven't seen facilities adequate for access of people with disability. - Oct 2023
Kigali is far more accessible than most other African cities and actually has sidewalks in many places. - Aug 2023
There would be some problems but I think it would be possible. There are sidewalks along the main roads. - Jan 2022
There are worse places for people with physical disabilities, but Kigali doesn't seem super conducive for said people. It's very hilly; a lot of restaurants have stairs (but no elevators, escalators or ramps); and the sidewalks, although good, are usually crowded with people. - Jul 2020
This is a very hilly country least developed country at high elevation. That said, surprisingly good sidewalks, and modern luxury buildings are usually quite accommodating. - Sep 2019
Yes. OSHA does not exist here. - Jun 2018
Probably. - Dec 2017
Yes, I think it would be challenging. - Jan 2017
Yes, it is not ADA friendly as it is very hilly and many cafes have steps leading to the main door. - Apr 2016
Yes, unfortunately. The majority of places are not handicap friendly. - Oct 2014
Likely yes. There are lots of sidewalks in Kigali but the city is hilly and is difficult to get around. Most business are not handicap equipped. - Jul 2014
Many - I have difficulties pushing a stroller around. - Sep 2013
Kigali is a hilly place and the sidewalks are not graded, where they exist. Elevators are few and far between. Seeing-eye dogs could pose a problem, as Rwandans are almost universally terrified of dogs and sometimes act aggressively when they see one. - May 2012
This would be a difficult city with people with physical disabilities. Sidewalks are not guaranteed. Many roads are unpaved and are a mess when it rains. Drivers are inconsiderate and do not stop for cross walks. - Apr 2012
Very few buildings are handicap friendly and very few have elevators that are operational. - Jul 2011
Shopping for fruits and vegetables in the open market will be difficult. Also, unless you are in a vehicle, getting up and down all the hills will be difficult. Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills. - Oct 2010
There are no wheelchair ramps and very few elevators while there are very many stairs. It could be a difficult city to live in. - Jan 2010
It would be very difficult not many elevator in building, curbs are quite high, no automated doors, people rush and cut lines. They are installing a lot of sidewalks, but no ramp to get on or off sidewalks. - Sep 2008
Rwanda government buildings, the private sector, and NGO's have not made significant attempts to accomodate people with physical disabilities. It is tough getting public transportation and accessing buildings if a person is utilyzing a wheelchair, crutches, and/or some form of ambulatory type of equipment. - Aug 2008
