On November 8, 2026, the city of Kigali came alive with a car-free day event that brought together residents, officials and visitors to promote sports, health and community engagement. The event coincided with the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Rwanda. The car-free day, a regular occurrence in Kigali, saw participants engage in various physical activities, including walking, running, cycling and aerobics.
The event was a celebration of UNICEF's four decades of work in Rwanda, focusing on improving the lives of children and their families. Since its inception, UNICEF has played a significant role in promoting children's rights, health, education and nutrition. The organization has contributed to a notable decline in child mortality rates, with deaths among children under five decreasing significantly over the years.
According to UNICEF, the mortality rate for children under five decreased from 175.6 per 1,000 live births in 1992 to 37.7 per 1,000 live births in 2024. This progress is attributed to improved healthcare services, vaccination programs and maternal healthcare. Additionally, the prevalence of child malnutrition has decreased, with the percentage of children under five suffering from stunting declining from 48% in 2000 to 27% in recent years.
The event also highlighted progress in education, with the number of children attending primary school increasing significantly. UNICEF reports that the percentage of children attending primary school rose from 47.5% in 1992 to 93% in recent years. Furthermore, the number of children enrolled in early childhood education programs has grown, with 1,165,384 children participating in 2025, up from 297,021 in 2020.
The car-free day event in Kigali is part of a larger initiative to promote physical activity and community engagement. The event, which takes place every two weeks, brings together residents from different age groups and backgrounds to engage in sports and physical activities. Officials, including the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and the Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, Cara Spencer, participated in the event.
The celebration of UNICEF's 40th anniversary in Rwanda included a ceremony on June 26, 2026, which featured a song, "Kuri Buri Mwana," performed by artist Andy Bumuntu and danced to by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. The event showcased the organization's commitment to improving the lives of children and their families in Rwanda.
The car-free day initiative, launched in May 2016, aims to promote a culture of physical activity and community engagement in Kigali. By setting aside specific times for sports and physical activity, the event encourages residents to prioritize their health and well-being. The initiative has become a staple in the city's calendar, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle among its residents.
Key points
- UNICEF has contributed to significant progress in reducing child mortality rates and improving education and nutrition in Rwanda over the past 40 years.
