Editor, I wish to react to the Editorial, “As region opens up job market, we should be wary of forgeries” (The New Times, July 29). As stated in the editorial, the liberalisation of job markets among Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya will certainly come with a fair share of challenges, at least initially. And granted, the above includes cheating on academic records. However, as also mentioned, there could be a system of checks and balances, involving education regulatory bodies and employers, which would contribute to solving the problem. In the long run, should the forging of academic records increase in the EAC, it will negatively impact the performance of companies (employing “fellows” who are not as qualified as they have falsely stated to be). This will ensure that appropriate verifications are carried out at the level of academic institutions. It is one of those cases where “markets” will play an equilibrium role. And let’s not forget that the positive effects of an open job market (transfer of skills etc.) will eventually far outweigh the negatives. Diyana, Rwanda
