Vendors in Kigali City have bemoaned the unsecure environment in which they operate, saying they face arrests from local defence personnel and Police too often. The vendors say they lack the sustainability to join cooperatives.

Speaking to The New Times in Friday, some of the vendors, who were being herded to Kwa Kabuga (Prison), said their activity is filled with suspense as they have to keep wary of local defence personnel, some of whom wear plain clothes.

Vendors were evicted from the city streets eight years ago to restore sanity in the city. However, Kigali City Council spokesperson, Bruno Rangira, said the vendors continue to stealthy operate in the city because it is more lucrative for them; they do not pay taxes or fees for cleaning where they operate from.