Kigali — A hike in prices of food stuffs in Kimironko market is a major concern for many restaurant businesses in the area.

Restaurant owners fearing to lose customers have not altered the menu or reduced on the quantity of food served but have resorted to firing their employees as a way of cutting costs.

"Prices of many commodities have increased in this particular market. The hikes started during the festive season and are only escalating," revealed Celestin Niyonzima, the manager of a restaurant adjustment to Kimironko market.

He added that they have had to lay off workers to cut on the costs.

Jane Mukarutabana, a manager at African Restaurant revealed that some food stuffs like yams which have risen from 200 to Rwf250 a kg and cassava has shot from 150 to Rwf300 per kg are in scarcity.

Lawrence Niyongira, a shopkeeper in the same area said that the price of a sack of sugar had risen from 35000 to Rwf 33800 and a carton of cooking oil had climbed from 17000 to 18500.

"The prices could be rising because of the festive season. They wholesalers increase the price and we also have to increase," said Niyongira.

Dorothy Mukanganga, a cassava trader explained that the scarcity is due to the fact that farmers have replaced the crop with others.

"They (cassava and sweet potatoes) are scarce because in the villages they have been replaced with fodder for cows and maize," she said.