The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has announced that the method of testing vehicle emissions, which contribute to air pollution, will be revised. Motorcycles will now also be required to undergo inspection at the vehicle quality control center known as Contrôle Technique.

REMA, together with the Rwanda National Police, stated that these measures will be implemented once the new Road Usage Law is passed, along with a Ministerial Order that will outline how vehicle emissions are to be tested.

This road usage law was approved by the Cabinet on April 17, 2025, and will be voted on by the Chamber of Deputies before the new vehicle emissions testing system is launched.

The Ministry of Environment, through REMA, announced that this new system will be introduced in May 2025 to combat air pollution, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.

“You must have seen the REMA statement saying that Contrôle Technique will begin testing vehicle emissions, and that motorcycles will now be included. Previously, only cars were inspected”, REMA Deputy Director General, Faustin Munyazikwiye, said.

According to REMA, the main sources of air pollution in Rwanda include emissions from uninspected vehicles, burning forests, waste and agricultural residues, as well as smoke from charcoal and firewood.

On Rebero hill, where vehicles climb steeply, is one of the places where REMA indicates that air pollution often occurs, due to the heavy use of engine power

Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga also urged those affected by vehicle emissions to be patient while the new regulations are finalized to ensure Contrôle Technique can effectively assess pollution-causing vehicles.

People working on roads are among the most affected

Akimana Josiane, a street cleaner working along Rebero road in Kicukiro District, said she often feels dizzy and nearly collapses — symptoms that began after starting her job eight months ago. She suspects high blood pressure may be the cause, which she believes started when she took the job.

Although she cannot confirm if the dizziness and high blood pressure are caused by inhaling polluted air from vehicle emissions, she suspects it could be a factor.

“Sometimes the smoke from vehicles hits me when I’m in the roadside drain, and I feel affected. At times it gets in my eyes, I can’t see and have to close them for a while. It even sticks to my clothes and smells bad. I don’t know for sure if it’s causing my dizziness, but I’ll go get checked soon”, Akimana said.

How air pollution harms human health

A report titled Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), produced by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), shows that polluted air — especially fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 — reduces life expectancy globally, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, people with respiratory or heart conditions, and pregnant women.

Respiratory diseases are the most common consequences of such pollution, leading to lung and throat irritation, asthma, chronic breathing issues, bronchitis, and emphysema, which impairs lung function.

Vehicle emissions also contribute to heart and blood vessel diseases, as inhaling the pollutants can raise blood pressure due to damage in the vascular system.

Pollutants derived from petroleum, such as benzene (used in aviation fuel), can also cause cancer — particularly lung cancer — and complications in pregnant women, including premature births or stillbirths, as detailed in the 2024 AQLI report.

These emissions may also hinder brain development in young children, weaken immune response to infectious diseases, cause stress and fatigue, and reduce learning and work performance — especially in areas with high pollution levels.

Venancie Mukamabano, a resident of Kicukiro District, said she once worked in a polluted industrial area and suffered three miscarriages. After quitting the job while pregnant, she later gave birth to a healthy child — her only child to date.

The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) stated that while they cannot confirm the findings of the AQLI report — particularly regarding pollution-related miscarriages — due to the lack of a specific local study, they are continuing efforts to address air pollution.

One major step Rwanda is taking is the promotion of electric vehicles, gradually replacing petrol and diesel-powered ones.

By October 2024, more than 7,000 electric vehicles had been registered in Rwanda, according to the German development agency GIZ under its Changing Transport initiative.