For some time now an idea to create a national employment agency had been mooted with view to bridging the gap that exists between learning institutions and the labour market. Proponents of the idea say this will help track graduates, both from local institutions of higher learning and those returning home from study abroad. They say that the lack of such an agency means there is very little or no reliable data about the fate of graduates – whether or not they were able to break into the labour market or to create their own jobs. The body would regularly carry out and analyse labour market data which would, among others, enable evidence-based policymaking. Such information would come as much needed feedback to institutions of higher learning as to the relevance of their educational programmes and the evolution of the labour market needs. In recent years, the government has actively undertaken reforms aimed at making public service more efficient and responsive to emerging trends. As a result, new institutional frameworks have been set up and others merged. However, the vacuum between policymakers and training institutions on the one hand, and the labour market, on the other, remained as the Achilles’ heel of the reforms. That’s why government’s move to fix the issue is good news. Earlier this week, the Minister for Labour and Public Service, Judith Uwizeye, tabled a Bill before Parliament seeking the establishment of the proposed Capacity Development and Employment Services Board. The Board, once established, is indeed expected to fill this vacuum. While some have argued that the creation of the proposed agency might instead result in duplication of roles since some of the existing institutions are presumably dispensing part of what would be its mandate, with a clearly spelled out mission for the new organ, there is no way duplication can arise. Rather the agencies would mutually complement each other in their different roles. It is the finer details that make systems work efficiently and the proposed agency will make a difference at a time the government is making efforts to create more jobs and grow the economy. Members of the August House should cast their weight behind the Bill and, rather than question the relevance of the proposed Board, work closely with the concerned government officials to institute a good legal and organisational framework that would serve as a strong foundation upon which the new agency would deliver on its mission.
