TITLE:
Challenges and Opportunities Constraining and Enhancing Kenya and Tanzania Participation in the EAC Econo-Political Integration Process
AUTHORS:
J. P. Wakhungu, G. P. Okoth, E. O. S. Odhiambo
KEYWORDS:
Construct, Discombobulate, Econo-Political Integration
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Political Science,
Vol.11 No.1,
January
25,
2021
ABSTRACT: Regionalism and regional institutions are increasingly being challenged
and conditioned by the sovereignty-modifying effects of globalisation and
humanitarian intervention. Regionalism is facing pressure to become less
sovereignty-bound in the sense of going against the norms of non-interference
and non-intervention that underpin the Westphalia international system. The
study evaluates the challenges and opportunities that constrain and enhance Kenya and Tanzania participation in the EAC
econo-political integration process. Three theories, Two-Good theory,
Neoclassical Realism and Neo-functionalism theories, were adopted to guide the
study. Descriptive research design was used. Respondents were both from Kenya
and Tanzania and they comprised cross border business community, government
officials in Ministries of EAC and Foreign Affairs, and EAC organs—the
Secretariat and Legislative Assembly which were purposively sampled. Both primary
and secondary sources data was used while instruments of data collection were: questionnaires, interviews
and focus group discussions guides. Findings revealed that challenges that
constrain Kenya’s and Tanzania’s participation in the EAC integration emanate
from structural, legal and administrative weaknesses and commissions or
omissions. The fact that the issue of manifestation of non-tariff barriers disguised as
administrative and technical policies is baneful and inimical. Additionally,
import substitution strategy and the incongruity in taxation policies are some
of the challenges that constrain Kenya’s and
Tanzania’s participation in the EAC econo-political integration. The study
therefore recommends that the citizens should be at the centre of the EAC
integration process through structured stakeholders’ engagement where
their input and participation are affirmed. Similarly, taxation of cross border
business community should be reviewed and taxes should be harmonised to provide
a level playing field in order to address their perennial complaints.