The study was purposely conducted to examine the interface of the University of Rwanda’s
College of Business and Economics (UR-CBE) Gikondo campus and its neighborhood in
Kinunga Cell. The specific objectives were to determine the rate of business growth around
CBE, identify the business linkages between CBE and surrounding community and establish the
effect of CBE on social development of the community in Kinunga Cell. The researcher used
analytical/explanatory research design with a single case study approach. The sample size was
373 people who were selected from both CBE and its neighborhood but only 227 were able to
provide data. These respondents were selected by use of simple random sampling and purposive
sampling techniques. The questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect primary data
while documentary checklist was used to collect secondary data. Data entry was done by use of
MS Excel which produced table, charts and graphs that were backed by frequency and
percentages. Data analysis and reporting was done within the context of the data produced. In
terms of business growth around CBE, the study finds that 37% were dealing in general
merchandize, 24% in hospitality and 15% were engaged in stationary services. The study found
out that 64% were operating two or more businesses and they were attracted to locate businesses
by high population (41%), academic pursuit at CBE (26%) and easy access of labor force (21%).
Forty five (45%) of businesses get customers come from educational institutions followed by
41% who get them from area residents. This shows how CBE has become a market hub for
Kinunga businesses. Business competition was rated as very high (60%) and high (34%) also
noted that competition was high. This shows that there are increased costs of doing business in
the area. The major role of CBE in the growth of local business were identified as creation of
CBE-affiliated enterprises (99%), growth of infrastructure (99%), creation of market (98%),
skills development (97%), networks and business clusters (96%), knowledge and skills transfer
(89%) and provision of consultancy services (59%). Similarly, CBE has benefited from the local
community areas such as easy access to goods and services (95%), market for CBE consultancy
services (93%), provision of student internship placements (87%) and supplying labor force to
CBE (78%). This shows that contributions are reciprocated. It must be recognized that CBE has
also contributed to the social development of Kinunga Cell. The social contributions to the local
community were identified as cultural change (99%), employment opportunities (99%), break up
of social barriers (97%), community development (97%), behavioral change (96%), growth of
social centres (94%), social harmony and peace building (92%), population growth check (89%),
increased social capital (78%), growth of social networks (77%) and social change through social
research (74%). The local businesses need to diversify their income generating activities since
CBE market is unreliable when the college sends students on holidays.