The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that the 20th edition of the Kwita Izina ceremony will be held on September 5 at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District. During the event, 40 baby gorillas will be named, including 18 born in the past year.
RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, Irène Murerwa, expressed her delight over the major event, noting that the ceremony reflects Rwanda’s deep appreciation for nature, rich cultural heritage, and strong sense of community.
“We are pleased to celebrate the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, a ceremony that has become a symbol of conservation, society, and Rwandan culture. We appreciate the efforts and support of the Government of Rwanda, partners, and the citizens,” she said.
She added that the ceremony comes at a time when the gorilla population is steadily rising.
“The number of gorillas in the Virunga region has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This shows the results of community-based conservation and the importance of strong partnerships,” Murerwa added.
Kwita Izina is not just about giving names. It helps the world learn about Rwanda’s effort in animal protection, which draws visitors from around the world including global icons to come to watch the ceremony.
Rwanda’s tourism industry generated $647 million (approximately Rwf923 billion) in revenue in 2024, with a significant boost from gorilla tourism, which alone brought in $200 million.
Pichou Byiringiro / The Kaminuza Star