A lot to celebrate and more to look forward

As people worldwide celebrated the New Year, parting, feasting and making fireworks, Rwandans, but Kigalians in particular have authentic reasons to celebrate because of what Kigali as the capital city has tailored and achieved in 2008. Thanks to the mayor of Kigali City council for her efforts. As many can testify, the country has made very many improvements throughout the year, but to be more specific,the social-economic sector has ranked number one. Gone are the days when all business transactions and transport operations would close as early as 8:00pm. The situation was difficult, especially for those who preferredto stay at their workplaces working, other than idling around after work. A little over three years ago, prosperous businesses started mushrooming in Kigali and the move drastically changed people’s mentality towards work. This was no doubt due to the pressure after Rwanda joined the East Africa Community (EAC). Nearly six months ago, Kigali City Council in collaborationwith the National Police passed a policy authorizing business activities to operate 24 hours as a best way to improveon the country’s social-economic growth. Soon, new establishments came up, and these really attracted people within and outside the country. And the move also paved away for new business opportunities in the country. Some of these new establishments include: The two Bourbon coffee shops, at the Union Trade Centre and MTN Centre in Nyarutarama, Executive Car Wash, famously known for its East Africa delicacy “Nyama Choma”. This, loosely translated, is Swahili for roasted meat, or barbeque and it comes with ugali (white maize flour), and a salad, or what you may prefer to call “Kachumbari”. Then, for those who are more nocturnal and thereforeprefer the night life, there are various clubs such as B-club, Orion, and Atmosphere, competing with the former already established La Planet, Fair Place and the more popular Cadillac. There are also quite number of other recreational centers, especially sports bars which have drawn the attention of both locals and investors. Most of these ‘happening’ places have massive investmentssuch as digital satellite screens, which show all the Premier League matches that are popular among many. To say the least, these places are quickly making the night life more entertaining and actually pulling throngs of tourists every weekend, away from the jungles of Nyungwe, and Virunga. Apart from sports bars and barbeques, there is Sky, a Karaoke nightclub. This hot nightspot is found in the heart of Kigali City, near Kigali Serena Hotel. On weekends, there are usually many special packages in store, like drama performances at Intsinzi 4 Lifestyle, and at the stadiums where artistes normally stage music concertswhen launching their new albums, or singles. It is important to note that these city attractions are in an atmosphere of total security for the revelers at whatever hour of the night, in all parts of the city and the entire country. This, for any ardent advocate of the change in Rwanda, should not be a surprise. Considering the fact that every corner of the country is growing if not changing for the better, and entertainment is developing at a faster rate. So as we usher in the New Year, and as we resolve to work harder, now we know that we can also party harder– with more variety and in total security! Ends

Leisure

A lot to celebrate and more to look forward