Banki ya Kigali Pledges Support for GOICO Market Vendors and Businesses Affected by Fire

Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Banki ya Kigali (BK), recently visited the Musanze district to assess the damage caused by a fire at the GOICO market and reaffirm the bank's commitment to supporting affected customers. The fire destroyed several businesses, leaving many entrepreneurs and traders without a source of income. During her visit, Dr. Karusisi met with customers, including school administrators, and discussed their needs and concerns. She emphasized BK's dedication to helping clients overcome challenges and rebuild their businesses.

Dr. Karusisi visited several schools, including Virunga Valley Academy, INES Ruhengeri, and Excel International Academy, to discuss their operations and explore potential areas of collaboration with BK. The schools expressed appreciation for BK's support, citing examples of successful partnerships in the past. For instance, INES Ruhengeri's administrator, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, praised BK's assistance with loans and other financial services. He highlighted the bank's role in helping the school expand its facilities and improve educational services.

The CEO of BK also met with entrepreneurs and traders who were affected by the GOICO market fire. They shared their experiences and challenges, including unpaid loans and damaged property. Dr. Karusisi listened attentively to their concerns and reaffirmed BK's commitment to supporting them during this difficult time. The bank's goal is to provide assistance and help clients recover from the disaster.

Theonase Tugengwenayo, chairperson of the Northern Province Private Sector Federation, expressed gratitude for BK's support during the construction of the GOICO market. He noted that the bank provided loans and continued to work closely with entrepreneurs and traders, even during challenging times. Tugengwenayo requested that BK consider waiving interest on outstanding loans for affected clients, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their businesses.

Maurice Mugabowagahunde, governor of the Northern Province, commended BK's efforts to support clients affected by the fire. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the bank, entrepreneurs, and traders to find solutions and help businesses recover. The governor encouraged BK to continue providing financial services and support to clients, ensuring that businesses in the Musanze district can thrive.

Dr. Karusisi highlighted BK's 60-year history of serving the Rwandan community and its commitment to supporting economic development through entrepreneurship and job creation. She emphasized that the bank's role is to provide financial services and support clients in achieving their goals. By working together with clients and stakeholders, BK aims to contribute to Rwanda's economic growth and development.

The visit by Dr. Karusisi to the Musanze district demonstrates BK's ongoing efforts to engage with clients, understand their needs, and provide solutions to support their businesses. The bank's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and traders affected by the GOICO market fire is a testament to its dedication to fostering economic growth and development in Rwanda.

Key points

• Banki ya Kigali (BK) has pledged to support entrepreneurs and traders affected by the GOICO market fire, providing financial assistance and services to help them recover and rebuild their businesses.