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In various countries around the world, land expropriation is considered as a major tool used by governments to assemble tracts of land for various activities aiming at public interest. However, determination of compensation which is regarded as a pre-requisite for land expropriation has been a source of controversy in this process. This paper attempts to find out how land valuation for compensation during expropriation is carried out in Rwanda, considering two expropriation projects in Kigali city. It is revealed that the valuation methodology used in practice is not consistent with the provisions of the Expropriation law. Whereas the Expropriation law requires that valuation be carried out based on the “market value”, predetermined land values are being used in valuation practice. This practice not only contradicts the law and best practices but also evokes complaints against the amount of compensation payable. There is a substantial need to adopt conventional approaches to valuation based on prevailing land market values. Taking advantage of the current modern land information management system in Rwanda, creation of land sales databank would serve as a basic source of comparable sales for comparison approach to valuation.
