Hotels and restaurants operating in the City of Kigali have been urged to improve hygiene in their kitchens to help ensure quality services.

This was during the launch of the Hygiene Inspection Week in Kigali on Tuesday.

The exercise is being undertaken by the city in partnership with the three districts that make up the City of Kigali.

Languida Nyirabahire, the vice-mayor for social affairs in Gasabo District, said the inspection aims at reminding hospitality service providers about the need to maintain hygiene.

She said that despite public awareness about the importance of proper hygiene, such efforts were needed to ensure that people do not get off track.

All hotels and restaurants inspected on Tuesday had sub-standard kitchens. A case in point is Hotel Chez Lando, which the team said needed to be renovated.

At The Manor Hotel, the team found the drainage system faulty while water in the swimming pool was found stagnated.

Anne Marie Kantengwa, the managing director of Chez Lando Hotel, and Johnson Rutsinda, the manager of The Manor Hotel, said inspection helps them to ensure that their clients get the best services.

"We are committed to implementing the recommendations by the inspection team to ensure quality hospitality service delivery,” Kantengwa said.

At Divinity Bar and Restaurant at Kisementi, the kitchen was found in a bad state with poor drainage and no refrigerators, which prompted the authorities to temporarily close the outlet until minimum standards are met.

The week will see facilities in Nyarugenge Sector in Nyarugenge District, Niboye and Kagarama sectors in Kicukiro District, and hotels and restaurants in Remera Sector of Gasabo District inspected.

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