Lately, I’ve developed a bad habit—sipping coffee late in the evening. I’ll probably regret it later. The villager in me is concerned, but does it really get late in Kigali? This city has a way of staying awake after the sun goes down, and I have to adjust to its pace and rhythm.
After another day of running errands, I drop by Katina’s Kafe around 6 p.m. Upcountry, where I belong, that’s dinner time. But in Kigali, half the city is still grinding, while a fresh crop of midweek party animals is warming up for Thursday night escapades.
That’s exactly what Katina’s feels like—a café suspended between two worlds. On one side, people are welded to their laptops, firing off emails with the urgency of a Monday morning. Behind them is a corner that has been turned into an improvised boardroom. On the other side, a DJ sets the mood with gentle beats, adding a lively hum to the air. This place blends business and leisure, creating a space where productivity and unwinding coexist effortlessly.
This isn’t my first visit. I’ve had my fair share of business meetings here, but one of these evenings, I’ll ditch the laptop for one of their outdoor movie nights. Films under the stars, popcorn, and espresso. New experience loading.
But Katina’s Kafe isn’t just about the vibe. Its mission runs deeper. The café was established not only to serve food and beverages but also to empower the deaf community through training and employment. The baristas are deaf, which means every order comes with a bonus—learning a language of gestures and developing compassion.
And while I’m here in the evening, I am told—through sign language—that breakfast served in this joint is truly special. Katina's breakfast fuels the body, sharpens the mind, and sets the tone for the day. I’ll likely show up in the morning before heading back to the village.