James, a Nakumatt customer, says that Nakumatt allows him to buy goods at lower prices at any time of day, knowing that his car is parked safely downstairs.

But its not just customers that are benefiting from the newly opened Nakumatt in Kigali City centre. Nakumatt is also transforming business in the area.

"Nakumatt has really increased our number of clients, ever since it opened we have received new customers,” said Kaitana Bosco, assistant manager at Bourbon Coffee, situated in the same building as Nakumatt.

"After shopping from Nakumatt, customers stop here and either have a meal or a drink,” explained Bosco.

Nakumatt located where former City Market was in the Union Trade Centre building in the city centre started its operations in August. The Kenyan company began as a small mattress business, Naku Mattres, in the Kenyan town of Nakuru.

"Although we have not yet joined Nakumatt in the 24 hours operation, we have increased the working hours to at 10pm. But we plan to join since even Kigali City Council has encouraged it in the city centre,” revealed Bosco.

Priscilla Mburu, a sales agent of International Travel Agent, another business situated in UTC, says the business is enjoying its location since it taps clients heading to Nakumatti.
"Business is good, we are getting more customers than before”, says Mburu. 

Fred Havugimana, a special hire taxi driver, who parks just by UTC, appreciates Nakumatt`s location.

"We are in business, after shopping some customers need transport back home with what they buy,” says Havugimana.
He further said that while night work has not yet picked up, he anticipates that it will as other businesses stay open later.

"Maybe with time some other businesses will work over night”, said Havugimana.

Ends