# Cairo street kiosks face costly redesign

> Cairo’s street kiosks may close as overhaul costs strain small businesses.
- Title: Cairo street kiosks face costly redesign · Malay Mail
- Summary: Cairo’s street kiosks may close as overhaul costs strain small businesses. Cairo’s street kiosks face closure risks after a costly redesign scheme requires…
- Keywords: cairo, street kiosks, overhaul, design costs, small businesses, egypt, news, world, street, kiosks, face, costly
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/09/20/costly-overhaul-fuels-fears-for-cairos-street-kiosks/235789
- Published: 2026-09-20T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cairo, street kiosks, overhaul, design costs, small businesses, egypt, news, world
## Cairo street kiosks set for makeover
Cairo’s street kiosks, where commuters grab cigarettes, children buy sweets, and residents stop for cold drinks or phone credit, are set for a makeover that some fear could price many small operators out of business.
## Authorities launch kiosk standardization scheme
Authorities in the Egyptian capital this week launched a scheme to standardise thousands of licensed kiosks, giving existing operators three months to adopt a unified design costing between 50,000 and 60,000 Egyptian pounds.
## Costs raise concerns for small business owners
A hefty sum for many small business owners, the overhaul costs could force some kiosk operators to close their businesses.
## Kiosk owners voice support and worry
Shopkeeper Moamen Hassan supported the plan but expressed concern over the price tag, saying many kiosk owners in poorer areas won’t be able to afford the cost.
## New kiosk design features QR codes and safety
The standardised structures will include QR codes for licence details and payment records, as well as electricity meters and fire extinguishers.
## Payment plan offered to ease burden
Authorities offer a payment plan allowing kiosk owners to pay 25 percent upfront, with the remainder spread over two years without interest.
## Kiosks face economic challenges
The overhaul comes as many Egyptians struggle with currency devaluations and soaring prices, raising fears of business closures.
## Kiosk owners see practical benefits
University student Sabrine Ahmed said the kiosks make life easier, being among the first businesses to open each morning and last to close at night.
## Key takeaway

Cairo’s street kiosks face closure risks after a costly redesign scheme requires operators to pay 50,000-60,000 pounds for standardized designs.