The Influence of East African Integration on Kenya’s Sustainable Development and Economic Growth

Abstract

Globally states have embraced regional integration by initiating large numbers of regional integration arrangements (RIAs)in order to achieve economic growth, peace and shared prosperity. These arrangements are often guided by common policies, binding treaties and legal process which often lead to building of integrated regional institutions. In Africa RIAs have enabled the African countries to have access to each other’s market and establish mechanisms which minimize conflicts both internal and external in economic, social-cultural and political realms. This study was guided by the following objectives; to investigate the prospects and dimension for the EAC regional integration, to interrogate the influence of EAC regional integration on Kenya’s economic growth and to examine the key challenges faced by Kenya in the EAC regional integration process. The study utilized liberal intergovernmentalism, neo functionalism, regional integration and growth theories to conceptualize the subject area. This research study adopted a pragmatic design that combined descriptive research design and a case study to examine the influence of East Africa regional integration on Kenya’s sustainable development and economic growth.Primary and secondary data were utilized. From the findings, integrated immigration policies, health policies, economic policies among others implemented by the EAC partner states have played pertinent roles enhancing trade in the region, access to health and education services, improved infrastructures and security in the region as well as led to economic growth and development. Further,EAC regional integration has resulted into economic growth in Kenya as shown by the growth in GDP and the GDP per capita in the country.Various recommendations can be made and they include;There is also a need to put in place mechanisms for enhancing adherence to the common market protocol of the EAC such as joint penalization of member states who do not comply. The issue of divided interests due to multiple memberships to various RECS should also be addressed. This can be done with regular review of contentious related to overlapping membership to other RECs.Harmonization of trade, immigration health and other policies as well as work permits and other important travel documents should be strengthened through adequate financing as well as enhanced cooperation of all relevant institutions in all EAC member states.