Rwanda: Minister Nsanzimana Highlights Health Benefits of Vehicle Emissions Testing

The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has underscored the significant health benefits expected from Rwanda’s new vehicle emissions testing program, noting that it will help reduce the high prevalence of respiratory illnesses nationwide. He delivered the message on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after his own vehicle underwent testing and was confirmed compliant with national standards.

The inspection took place at the new Police Vehicle Inspection Center in Ndera, Kigali, where State Minister for Education, Claudette Irere, was also among those who participated in the emissions test.

Both officials urged the public to recognize the importance of emissions control in improving air quality and protecting public health.

Dr. Nsanzimana noted that exhaust fumes affect many people who do not drive or own vehicles, stressing the collective responsibility to maintain cleaner air.

“While exercising, a car may pass by and release fumes directly into your face,” he explained. “This is why I came to ensure that the vehicle I drive does not emit harmful smoke into the air and onto the people it passes.”

He emphasized that vehicle exhaust contains more harmful pollutants than other sources of air pollution, including dangerous gases like carbon monoxide (CO)-not just the CO₂ humans naturally exhale.

“Breathing in toxic gases from poorly maintained vehicles exposes people to serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer,” he said. “During the rainy season, respiratory illnesses already increase due to flu viruses, and polluted air only makes the situation worse.”

Dr. Nsanzimana expressed confidence that widespread adoption of emissions testing will reduce respiratory diseases in a manner similar to how nationwide speed radars have helped reduce traffic accidents.

“Those speed radars have caught me several times, but they have reduced accidents and deaths. At first it may seem bothersome, but overall, the benefits are clear. We expect the same results for diseases caused by air pollution.”

State Minister Claudette Irere highlighted the importance of clean air for students, who travel daily along heavily polluted roads.

“Every day, children commute to school, and they are the first victims of polluted air,” she said. “We all have a role to play. Clean air keeps children healthy and helps them learn better.”

Irere added that emissions testing remains new to many Rwandans, prompting the Ministry of Education to explore integrating air quality education into the curriculum.

Vehicle emissions testing is now offered nationwide as an additional service to regular mechanical inspections, mainly in police inspection centers.

According to the Ministry of Environment, which launched the emissions control campaign on August 1, 2025, a total of 9,118 vehicles have been tested across the country. Among them, 77.4% passed, while 22.6% failed and were required to undergo repairs to meet greenhouse gas emissions standards.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) emphasized that Rwanda’s air contains PM2.5 fine particles, largely emitted by vehicles. These particles are closely monitored to assess whether a vehicle presents a health risk to the population.