Costly overhaul fuels fears for Cairo’s street kiosks

CAIRO, September 20 — Egypt's bustling street kiosks, frequented by commuters, children, and residents for cigarettes, sweets, cold drinks, and phone credit, are undergoing a makeover that has raised concerns about the financial burden on small business owners. The Egyptian capital's authorities launched a scheme this week to standardize thousands of licensed kiosks, giving existing operators three months to adopt a unified design.

The cost of the makeover ranges between 50,000 and 60,000 Egyptian pounds ($1,000-$1,200), a substantial sum for many small business owners.

Critics argue that the overhaul is part of a series of projects reshaping Cairo's urban landscape, sometimes at the expense of the city's architectural heritage and historic character. While shopkeeper Moamen Hassan, aged 27, expressed support for the plan to improve the city's appearance, he expressed concern over the price tag, stating that many kiosk owners in poorer areas wouldn't be able to afford the cost.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber described the scheme as an effort to enhance the city's appearance and maintain clear pavements. A prototype unveiled downtown showcases the vision, featuring a cream-colored exterior, gold lettering, and neatly arranged shelves, in stark contrast to the colorfully chaotic kiosks lining Cairo's streets.

The standardization comes at a time when many Egyptians are still grappling with the consequences of years of sharp currency devaluations and soaring prices. To alleviate the financial burden, licensed kiosk owners can pay 25 percent upfront or spread the remaining cost over two years without interest.