The rebirth of East Africa community; the second Development strategy and its social-economic and political dimensions, 2001-2005

Abstract

The revival of the East Africa Community started in 1993 and it was spearheaded by the three heads of the East African states through the formation of Permanent Tripartite Committee for the cooperation among the slates. The formation of the commission was followed by the signing of the East Africa Community Treaty in 1999. The treaty came up with several cooperation protocols which were to be observed by the partner states.

Following the signing of the treaty by the member states, several strategies were mooted to further their cooperation in political and socio-economic spheres. This lead to the formulation and implementation of the first development strategy (1997-2000) and the second development strategy (2001-2005). The second development strategy which is subject of this study concentrated in deepening of cooperation in political, economic, social-cultural, security, research, technology and legal affairs among the member states. The strategy focused on all areas of development with an aim of forming a common market and later a political federation. Its activities were to be implemented in the agreed time period.

Despite efforts made by the states to implement the development strategy, some challenges have arouse in the process thus slowing its implementation. This has been as result of differences in political and socio-economic policies of the states. This work will seek to find out the achievements and difficulties encountered in the strategy's implementation. The study will provide for possible future policies solution. To achieve this, the necessary information and data will be gathered through interviewing of stakeholders and from other source of secondary data. The findings will be analyzed, concluded and recommendations made. It is envisaged that the findings of the study will provide for more knowledge in the field of regional integration and also give possible solutions to the challenges faced by the partner states in their Endeavour of eventually forming a political federation.