Every year, a big number of young Rwandans pack their bags to move to Kigali, drawn mostly by the promise of better jobs, modern lifestyle, and opportunities that seem far outreach when they’re in rural areas. The city’s bright lights, fast internet, a home for famous people and growing economy makes it a dream destination for many. But once they arrive, they are hit by a realization that the city life is good but not as easy as they imagined.
THE STATISTICS
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), About 30% (1,066,715 people) of the total youth population now live in a different district from their district of birth and have hence experienced lifetime migration. Migration prevalence varies considerably by area of residence and province. In the City of Kigali, for instance, 73% of all youth are migrants. Migration originates mainly from the Southern, Western and Northern provinces. Kigali City and the Eastern Province are the main destinations for youth migrants, this was stated by NISR figures in 2022. While exact recent figures for 2025 aren’t available, the trend is clearly upward in rural-to-urban migration, which aligns with the vision that by 2050 an estimated 70% of Rwandans will live in urban centres
The Reality of City Life
For most rural migrants, adapting to Kigali’s fast paced lifestyle can be a challenge. In the countryside, life moves slowly, and people rely on strong community ties, neighbors help one another, and most necessities come at a low cost compared to Kigali which is expensive, competitive and well-structured. A young adult who just moved is always shocked by how much money it will take to survive, from rent and transport to food and communication costs.
Rent is often the fist challenge. Affordable housing is hard to get, especially in areas close to the city centers. Many youths end up sharing small rooms or moving to the outskirts like Gisozi, Kanombe and Nyamirambo where rent is cheaper but then transport becomes another burden.
The Cost of Living and Survival Tactics
The cost of living in Kigali continues to rise, and those coming from rural areas without strong financial support from their friends or families in Kigali often struggle to keep up. A young person who expected to earn quickly may find themselves working long hours in low-paying jobs, just to afford the basics like food, clothes and rent.
Some survive by taking multiple informal jobs from vehicle washings and street vending to domestic work. Others join cooperative groups or rely on small savings and rotating funds known as “ibimina”. These efforts help them stay afloat, but they rarely bring the “better life” they hoped for.
Loss of Support Networks
In rural areas, family and neighbors form a natural safety net. When someone is sick, hungry, or jobless, the community steps in. In the city, however, that social support is harder to find. Many migrants experience loneliness and stress as they try to navigate a new environment where everyone is busy minding their own lives.
Some youth report feeling isolated and homesick. Without emotional or financial support, they face pressure to “make it” on their own. This often leads to frustration and anxiety especially when comparing themselves to others who seem to be doing better.
Employment Mismatch and Unfulfilled Dreams
One of the biggest challenges rural youth face in Kigali is the mismatch between their skills and the city’s job market. Many come with limited education or experience, hoping to find well-paying jobs, only to discover that most positions require higher qualifications.
As a result, university graduates may end up as cashiers or delivery riders, while others turn to casual labor to survive. This gap between expectations and reality leaves many feeling disillusioned. Yet, despite the hardship, few choose to return home, they fear being seen as failures after leaving with so much hope.
Adapting and Finding Balance
Despite these struggles, many rural migrants eventually learn to adapt. They build new networks through churches, youth cooperatives, or community initiatives. Some enroll in short vocational courses to gain city-relevant skills like hairdressing, tailoring, or ICT. Others take advantage of government programs that support entrepreneurship, helping them start small businesses.
While the “better life” in Kigali isn’t always what they imagined, these youth show remarkable resilience. Their stories reveal both the opportunities and challenges of urban migration, a journey filled with lessons about survival, self-reliance, and the true meaning of success.
In the end, moving to Kigali can change lives, but only for those who are ready to adapt, work hard without giving up, and face the realities behind the city’s shining skyline.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
