For many university students in the city, the daily journey to and from campus remains one of their biggest challenges. Beyond tuition fees, housing, and food, transportation continues to strain already tight student budgets.
At Mount Kigali University, students say rising motorbike taxi fares make it difficult to attend classes consistently. Motorbikes remain the fastest and most convenient option for most, but prices vary depending on time, traffic, and weather, leaving students vulnerable to unexpected expenses. The impact is noticeable, with some arriving late to class or missing lessons entirely when fares rise suddenly. Over time, these setbacks can affect concentration, academic progress, and overall motivation.
The rainy season adds another layer of difficulty. Students traveling by motorbike often arrive soaked and risk falling sick. Slippery roads create dangerous conditions, especially for those rushing to exams or morning classes, adding pressure to an already demanding academic life.
One student, Celina Imelda Ndono, a Business Management student at Mount Kigali University, experienced these challenges during special and supplementary exams in October 2025. She recalls missing an exam due to heavy rain. “The exam was at 2 p.m., but it was raining heavily. I live in Kaciuru, so I had to wait for the rain to calm down a bit. When I finally left, I arrived more than 30 minutes late and was not allowed to enter the exam room,” she says. “I had prepared so well for that exam. I had paid for it and studied the whole night before, only to end up missing it.”
Ndono emphasizes that no one was to blame; rather, her experience highlights the broader transport struggles students face when external conditions disrupt travel. “This could have been avoided if there had been a more reliable transport solution for students,” she adds.
Mount Kigali University owns several well-maintained buses currently used for academic trips, tourism programs, and official activities. Some students believe that, with proper planning and scheduling, these buses could help support daily transport needs. University staff note, however, that using them for regular student transport would require careful coordination, budgeting, and logistics to ensure safety and sustainability.
