Car lovers will have more avenues from where to buy vehicles following the launch of a new weekly car bazaar in Kigali yesterday.

Open Vehicle Market is expected to display over 100 vehicles every weekend, according to those behind the initiative.   

Aimable Ngendahayo, the managing director Property Care, which organises the bazaar, said the initiative will help eliminate middlemen in car business and bring down prices. The platform brings together car buyers and sellers, removing dealers from the system. 

"This is an opportunity for buyers and sellers to meet, interact and negotiate car prices. The initiative will, hopefully, streamline the sector and make it more competitive,” Ngendahayo said during the launch of the bazaar at Ste Famille Primary School playground in Kiyovu, Nyarugenge District.  

Those selling motor vehicles will part with Rwf5,000 as entry fee.

Public welcome the initiative

Kobe Mutesi, a banker in Kigali, said the initiative will save car buyers the agony of dealing with dealers.

"Most people buy cars whose history is unclear. Since they deal with middlemen, they are told lies.” Mutesi said in a car bazaar, such risks are reduced, adding that buyers are also able to choose from a variety of quality vehicles.    

Patrick Kayigamba, a car dealer in Kigali, said car bazaars are already taking place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and help people acquire cars at more affordable prices.