Although the City of Kigali has provided designated market spaces for street vendors, many are returning to the streets, driven by economic and practical challenges. Vendors cite low profits, customer habits, and the perishable nature of their goods as reasons for abandoning assigned stalls.

According to the City of Kigali, there are 4,208 stalls for street vendors in 26 markets. However, the ongoing issue shows the complexity of transitioning informal workers into structured markets, highlighting the need for tailored solutions that address their unique needs and constraints.

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Imacurate Ngendahayo, a street vendor who was allocated a spot in Kimironko Market, shared her struggles, which sometimes leads her back to the streets.

"We sell low-quality fruits and vegetables at lower prices to ensure everything is sold by the end of the night. Offering cheaper produce helps us compete with market prices and attracts more customers, motivating us to return to the streets. In the market, our fruits spoil faster because they sit unsold for longer periods," she explained.

Ngendahayo&039;s experience is echoed by many street vendors who find that selling in the market does not yield the same immediate returns as selling on the streets. "At the end of the day, we need to pay off our money lenders," she added, highlighting the financial pressures that drive her and others back to the streets.

However, not all vendors share the same perspective. Beata Uwimana, a former street vendor who decided to stay in Mumena Market, believes there are benefits to market-based selling.

"I chose to stay because our clients can easily locate me, and our fruits are not spoiled by sun rays or dust. While we may sell a bit slower than on the streets, we still make a profit, and no seller goes home without selling anything.”

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Uwimana acknowledged that profits might be lower than before, but she appreciates the stability and reduced spoilage that the market offers.

"It might take three days to sell a full sack of fruits instead of one or two, but it's not bad for patient people. The city has been covering our market fees for the past two years, encouraging us to stay, and we really appreciate it.”

Uwayisaba Donatha, another vendor who operates in Kicukiro Market, navigates the empty spaces left by other vendors who do not use their stalls.

"I came later when street vendors were given spaces in markets, but I still occupy the empty stalls. When the owners return, I either go back to the streets or find another empty spot. The stalls at the back of the market are less desirable because clients tend to stay in the front rows. If I am given a stall at the back of the market, I use it for stockkeeping, not for selling all day."

Uwayisaba emphasised the financial constraints many vendors face, noting that with small capital, vendors cannot afford to sit and wait all day while their fruits risk spoiling.

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Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, spokesperson for the City of Kigali, says there are two main approaches the city uses to address the issue of vendors returning to the streets after being assigned market spaces.

"First, we provide financial loans to help them start afresh in the markets. Initially, they received Rwf 50,000, but this amount has been increased to a range of Rwf 200,000 to Rwf 300,000, which is repayable over six months,” she said.

"We have also implemented fines to discourage street vending. Street vendors caught selling on the streets and individuals caught buying from them are fined Rwf 10,000 while those caught supplying them with goods are fined Rwf 100,000.”

Ntirenganya also said that if vendors have no buyers or suppliers who encourage them, they will be less likely to return to the streets. This strategy aims to push them out of street vending and encourage them to stay in the markets.

"We also encourage vendors to join cooperatives to facilitate savings and development. Currently, there are around 152 cooperatives of former street vendors. In these cooperatives, they are encouraged to save and remain in the markets for long-term growth,” she said.

"Many vendors cite various issues for returning to the streets, but it often comes down to patience. They claim not to make profits, but there are those who stay in the markets and wait to see their profits grow. If they could wait, they too would see development and benefits.”

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The City of Kigali has also deployed volunteers to continuously advocate for street vendors and monitor their daily activities.

Sandrine Mahoro, a volunteer who oversees street vendors in Kicukiro Market, described ongoing efforts to retain vendors in their designated areas.

"Advocacy is done daily, encouraging vendors to return to their market spaces. Change does not happen overnight, but we have seen noticeable improvements. Vendors often leave due to low profits, but we educate them and show them that their colleagues who stayed are now making profits in the long run.”

Mahoro detailed the educational approach taken by the authorities, explaining that they educate vendors individually or in groups, depending on how many have left their spots, and they try to bring them back. When they return, they often complain about low profits and the inability to wait for clients with low capital.

"We try to address these concerns through continuous support and education,” she said.