Politico-economic structural constraints and their impact on regional integration in east africa: A case study of the east african community (EAC) 1993 - 2003

Abstract

Regional integration has along history in East Africa. The main focus of this study was to investigate the impact of politico-economic structural constraints on regional integration in East Africa with specific reference to the East Africa Community (EAC) 1993 - 2003. The study too sought to establish the measures the East African countries have undertaken to address the above in EAC, outline policy options for regional integration in East Africa and to examine the process of development of regional integration in East Africa. The study found out political and economic structures prevailing in East Africa cannot under gird a mutually beneficial cooperation. The East African countries are characterized by low income, predominantly agricultural economies, low productivity, and heavy dependence on a small number of primary commodities for export. In Tanzania and Uganda agriculture accounts for nearly 50% of the Gross Domestic Product. Only Kenya has a relatively diversified economy and as such has been in a position to exploit the opportunities offered by the East African market. In political structures the post colonial East Africa state is characterized by centralization of power, reluctant move toward democratization, political instability in some (Northern Uganda). These in a nutshell affect the cause of regional integration. - The study recommends there is need to reorient the approach toward regional integration in East Africa for these countries to realize maximum benefit. The East African countries should construct common regional public goods; adopt common regional approaches, common foreign policies, infrastructural, and investment policies. Acknowledge the role of core states in regional integration.