MIFOTRA commits to address challenges of job recruitment exams conducted far from duty stations
The Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) has committed to resolving challenges related to job recruitment examinations being conducted in locations far from where the actual jobs will be based—an issue many job seekers say disadvantages them.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister of Public Service and Labour,
Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka, said the problem is well known and that sustainable solutions are being pursued, particularly through the use of technology.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year, a total of 1,111,040 people applied for jobs in various public institutions.
Of these, 673,416 met the minimum requirements for the advertised positions, while 437,624 were disqualified for failing to meet the criteria.
Despite the large number of applicants, only 106,360 candidates actually sat for the recruitment exams. Out of these, just 8,783 passed—representing less than 1%,and only 3,134 were eventually appointed to positions.
As a result, 5,223 successful candidates were placed on a waiting list to be considered for vacancies that may arise within six months. Meanwhile, 257 candidates who passed declined job offers, and 130 were denied placement.
Some candidates who spoke to the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) said long-distance travel to exam centers remains a major obstacle.
Gaspard Twagirayezu, from Gisagara District, said he once applied for a job only to later learn that the exam would be held in Musanze.
“I only had 1,000 Rwandan francs at the time. There was no way I could travel to Musanze with that amount. It became a barrier that prevented me from sitting for the exam, even though I might have had a real chance,” he said.
For many others who seek for jobs frequently find it hard to travel across five or seven districts to go in exam , they think and ask if the exam can be done not far from the duty stations,or in internal district, not traveling from one district to another .
Minister Christine Nkulikiyinka reiterated that the government is working on long-term solutions.
“We are aware of this issue. We are exploring ways, especially through the use of technology, to avoid forcing people to travel long distances just to sit for exams.
