 The city has been Rwanda's economic, cultural, and transport hub since it became the capital following independence from Belgian rule in 1962.Situated in an area controlled by the Kingdom of Rwanda from the 17th century and then by the German Empire, the city was founded in 1907 when Richard Kandt, the colonial resident, chose the site for his headquarters, citing its central location, views and security.Foreign merchants began to trade in the city during the German era, and Kandt opened some government-run schools for Tutsi Rwandan students.