The sixth edition of the "Security and Hygiene” campaign in the City of Kigali (CoK) was launched on Saturday at Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo.

The six-month campaign spearheaded by City of Kigali and Rwanda National Police (RNP), aims at bringing various players on board to improve security and hygiene.

The launch of the activities was presided over by the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Monique Mukaruliza, and the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana.

The campaign will see, best performers in poetry, music, and hygiene awarded for their role in supporting and promoting hygiene and security in the city. 

"Security and hygiene are two winning cards that add value and improve the quality of life. We should consolidate them,” said the mayor, adding that, "we need to put more efforts in ensuring hygiene and make it a culture.’’

In her address to thousands of residents of Kigali, the mayor urged them to be part of the process of ensuring hygiene and not consider it as responsibility of some particular institutions.

"Sanitation starts with you as an individual, in your home and in the community you live in…at the end of this campaign those to be awarded must merit it,” she said.

In his address, IGP Gasana noted that; "Security and hygiene are pillars of development. We should, therefore, give this campaign the importance it deserves, if we are to make Kigali safer and cleaner.”

He reminded residents that hygiene and security move hand-in-hand, saying that where there is no hygiene people are at risk of easily contracting diseases.

"Security and hygiene have both improved tremendously –we should be proud of this and maintain it. We need to keep up our efforts and work together,” IGP Gasana said.

The Police Chief also reminded residents of their role in fighting crimes like gender-based violence (GBV), drug abuse, theft and house break-ins, and corruption, among others.

The event was attended by Lamin M. Manneh, the One UN Resident Coordinator who recognised the strong commitment of Rwandans in promoting sanitation.

"Rwandans are committed to making their country the safest and the cleanest in Africa,” he said.

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