THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL ACTORS ON THE EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY (1990-2016)

Abstract

Regional integration has a long history in East Africa. The main concerns of this study are to examine the influence of external actors on the East Africa Community. Specifically, the study aimed at evaluating the relationship between regional integration and external actors, examining the participation of external actors in the East Africa integration process, and evaluating the key challenges posed by external actors on East African Community. The study was anchored on Functionalism Theory proposed by David Mitrany in 1930. Functionalism is a theory on regional integration. Functionalist looks at social institutions as a platform where individual and social needs are met. This study was based on descriptive design. This design was appropriate for the study since it captured a diverse range of information pertaining to the trends and characteristics seen in international actors, regional integration and how the two concepts influence one another. Primary data was obtained through oral sources including interviews and group discussions. Secondary data was collected from written sources and archival matter including government’s records, books, journal articles, reports, internals, /dissertations and conference papers among others. The study uses content analysis. This study found that the process of regional integration has involved more actors other than the respective states of the member countries. The study established that Protocols and conventions adopted by the East Africa Community are hardly signed and/or ratified as a result of influence of external actors.