The EAEO's Technical Committee meets in Nairobi

The East African Employers Organisation (EAEO) had during the course of 2012 commissioned a study to look at what needed to be done at an East African Community (EAC) level to ensure free movement of workers as set out in the EAC Protocol. In order to discuss the results of this study the EAEO Technical Committee held a one day validation meeting in Nairobi on 10 January 2013 which was attended by the DECP. Members of the committee received a presentation from the consultant on the findings of his report. Resulting from the discussions at the meeting the consultant was instructed to undertake further work and to make clear recommendations and then report to the next EAEO Executive Committee to be held in Kigali on 28 January.

The Technical Committee then held a two day meeting, also attended by the DECP, to look at the achievements of the EAEO in 2012 and to plan its work in 2013. The meeting also took the opportunity to look in detail at the issue of Work Permits within the EAC and what steps needed to be taken to ensure the free movement of workers.

Members of the Committee expressed concern throughout both meetings that a significant improvement in the presence of the EAEO at an EAC level was crucial and that it was not currently achieving its potential.