The ecosystem surrounding Mount Kigali University (MKU) campus is a hub of commercial activity, with local businesses significantly benefiting from the student population. Among these, stationery shops stand out as particularly integral to the daily lives and academic needs of MKU students, serving as a consistent source of revenue for nearby vendors.
Upon approaching the Mount Kigali University campus, one observes a diverse array of businesses, including restaurants, bars, a hotel, churches, and numerous stationery stores. While students frequent various establishments, stationery shops appear to be the most dominant in terms of student traffic.
Why students frequent stationery shops
A primary reason for the high volume of student visits to stationery shops stems from the academic demands at Mount Kigali University. Lecturers frequently assign various tasks and assignments that require students to produce printed copies. When it comes to fulfilling these printing needs, external stationery shops become essential.
Keza, a student in the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication (BMMC) program, explained the necessity: “We have different tasks, and the printing machines inside the school cannot accommodate all of us. In that case, we choose to go out of the school to print our works.” This overflow of demand directly translates into business for the local stationery providers.
How stationery owners view the opportunity
For stationery owners, the periods when students require printing services are met with anticipation. Alain, a stationery seller near the university, shared his perspective on the opportunity presented by Mount Kigali University students.
“Students are coming to our shops for different services, and it’s our responsibility to welcome them honestly and courteously,” Alain stated. He views the students as valuable clients, noting, “Students are good clients because they show respect, as they are taught.” He also mentioned that students generally do not complain excessively about pricing, finding the costs reasonable.
This symbiotic relationship allows stationery businesses to generate income, supporting themselves and their families through the consistent demand from the university’s student body. The collaboration between these local enterprises and the students of Mount Kigali University highlights a thriving micro-economy driven by academic necessity and community engagement.
