The City of Kigali has pushed back against reports alleging poor or delayed pay for street cleaners, insisting that workers are remunerated on time and are benefiting from improved working conditions.
City spokesperson Emma Claudine said reforms introduced last year, particularly the outsourcing of street cleaning services to youth-led cooperatives have transformed the sector, creating more stable jobs and enhancing workers’ welfare.
Under the new model, salaries have increased by approximately 40 percent, a shift the city attributes to improved efficiency and stronger financial management within cooperatives.
Authorities also highlight broader social protection gains, noting that all workers are paid through banks, enabling them to save and contribute to the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) for future pension benefits.
In districts such as Kicukiro, workers are additionally enrolled in the INGOBOKA savings scheme, which provides financial support during emergencies and helps cover community-based health insurance for their families.
The city says cost-efficiency measures—such as workers providing basic tools like brooms—have also contributed to higher earnings, with such costs accounting for a minimal share of monthly income.
Cooperatives have further introduced member-focused initiatives, including access to essential goods at subsidised prices through cooperative-run shops, with flexible payment arrangements.
Kigali City maintains that all cooperatives operate under formal contracts designed to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure compliance with labour standards.
Across Rwanda, similar services are delivered through partnerships between local governments, private companies and cooperatives, while programmes such as the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) continue to provide employment through public works, including road maintenance and cleaning.
City authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the system and addressing any emerging concerns, emphasising the essential role street cleaners play in maintaining Kigali’s urban standards.
