Bank of Kigali (BK) on Friday March 4 launched a mortgage center as part of the bank's strategy to develop the retail segment.

“It will help people know all the related information and help them financially, among other benefits,” said Diane Karusisi, BK's chief executive.

“This place will help customers who want to buy a house to get information on what is on the market in terms of the supply of these houses and also to get advice and other services such as supporting them with mortgages, to be able to afford a house," she said.

In addition, Karusisi mentioned that this center will also facilitate getting affordable housing based on their funds.

Speaking about what sparked the initiative, she said everyone yearns to have a place to call home and BK is here to make their dreams come true.

Karusisi revealed that the center includes various trusted developers to support customers.

"We have a lot of developers working with us, but we're also a bit selective for better quality," she said, adding that "we have to deal with developers who provide houses of standards." 

Commenting on the Diaspora corner, she said they also saw a gap and wanted to address it.

Rwandans live abroad and when they come for holidays or for other reasons, some may wish to own a house but do not due to lack of information. She added

Eric Salongo Kalisa, the Director of Operations at See Far Housing Ltd is among the selected developers who will work with this center, said that on behalf of the developers, they have assured clients to provide better services as well as quality homes.

Additionally, Kalisa said they are also eager to help anyone who wants to own homes (singles, married, and families, among others)

Speaking on the same occasion, Benjamin Mutimura, Chief Commercial Officer said that this corner will be used to solve housing problems in general.

Mutimura further stated that housing is the key to society. BK hopes to contribute to the wide range of housing market development efforts in Rwanda.