The Kapchorwa District Chairperson, Everline Chemutai Kubarika, has suspended the District Service Commission (DSC) and halted an ongoing staff recruitment exercise over allegations of irregularities.
In a letter dated June 10, 2025, Chemutai ordered an immediate suspension of the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates and froze all commission activities pending further investigations.
“The District Service Commission is hereby suspended with immediate effect, pending the approval of the district council and consultation with the Public Service Commission for their removal,” the letter reads in part.
The move follows multiple complaints from applicants who alleged irregular practices by members of the commission, including demands for bribes and suspicious instructions.
Chemutai said she had received reports that some candidates were instructed to open bank accounts even before the list of successful applicants was released—raising concerns about possible financial dealings linked to the recruitment process.
In March 2025, the Kapchorwa District Local Government advertised 106 job vacancies, including 36 positions at Kapchorwa Municipal Council and one at Sipi Town Council. The application deadline was March 14, 2025, with interviews conducted between April 11 and May 2, 2025.
Despite the process moving forward, several applicants expressed frustration, citing political interference and alleged corruption. One applicant, who interviewed for a primary school teacher position in the education department, said he was asked to pay 3 million Shillings by someone claiming to be a commission member in exchange for an appointment.
“I refused because I couldn’t afford it, and I don’t believe in bribery,” he said, requesting anonymity for fear of repercussions.
Another applicant for a health department role alleged that local politicians were using intermediaries to solicit bribes. “They’re hiding behind middlemen and playing games. I wish a neutral commission would come in and clean up the mess,” the applicant said.
Sources within the district also hinted that some political leaders may have made conflicting promises to multiple candidates, fueling tensions and dissatisfaction.
Chairperson Chemutai stated that suspending the commission is intended to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment process and to allow for thorough consultation with the Public Service Commission and other relevant authorities on the way forward.
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