Africa-Press – Rwanda. Traders in Kirehe district are waiting for the construction of the long-awaited Nyakarambi Modern Market can begin.
Investors have already pledged more than Rwf2.1 billion — including Rwf300 million already collected — with 71 shareholders backing the project. Bank of Kigali has committed a Rwf7 billion credit line, bringing the total project value to Rwf12.1 billion.
The planned market project will cover 12,470 square meters and include a three-storey building. It will host fresh produce vendors, retail shops, banks, restaurants and other services.
Members of Private Sector Federation (PSF) have conducted feasibility studies and visited similar market complexes in Musanze, Huye, and Kigali, ensuring the design for the new market meets both local needs and national standards.
Despite their readiness, construction cannot begin without government approval to build on state-owned land.
“Once the Cabinet approves the land allocation, we will immediately start construction,” said Francis Gakuba, First Vice President of the PSF in Eastern Province.
Kirehe District, which serves as a secondary city supporting Kigali, has seen trade grow because of its proximity to the Rusumo border with Tanzania. District officials say infrastructure needs to match that growth.
District Mayor Bruno Rangira said the market complex will improve business conditions and enhance revenue collection.
“The market will allow traders to operate in better conditions and make it easier to collect taxes since they will be centralized,” Rangira said.
The district has collected Rwf1.7 billion in revenues, about 95 per cent of the target for 2025-2026 fiscal year. It targets Rwf3.6 billion by 2029.
For years, traders at Nyakarambi market have worked in poor conditions. Many operate in open spaces where rain stops business, dust affects customers and theft causes losses.
Members of the private sector in the district said the new market will improve trade in the region.
““The market will create jobs,” said Jean Bosco Ndungutse, the PSF chairperson in Kirehe.
“We are also anticipating enrollment of new traders in the PSF once the market is complete. So far, we have collected Rwf300 million and members are ready to fulfill their pledges and construct the market.”
For vendors, the project will offer protection from losses caused by rain, dust and theft.
“When it rains, business stops. Recently, the bags I sell were damaged by rain and I made losses,” said Elina Nyirarukundo. “We definitely need a modern market.”
Other traders selling assorted goods, clothes and shoes say poor infrastructure continues to hurt their businesses.
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