5. 2018

Permanent URI for this collection

http://10.150.1.119/handle/123456789/2610

Browse

Browsing 5. 2018 by Author "Gichora, Frankline Mayieka"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors Affecting Economic Integration in The East African Community
    (KESRA/JKUAT - Unpublished research project, 2018) Gichora, Frankline Mayieka
    The objective of the study was to determine factors affecting economic integration in the East Africa Community. Specific objectives were: to determine the influence of Leadership on economic integration in the East African Community, to determine the effect of economic development of partner states on economic integration in the East African Community, and to determine the effect of Non-Tariff Barriers on economic integration in the East African Community. It was conducted in Arusha Region, the headquarters of EAC in Tanzania. The units of analysis were EAC secretariat and others stakeholders attending different meetings and forums at the EAC headquarters. The target population comprised of 250 EAC secretariat employees. A total of 95 respondents participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering respondents from all five EAC states. A total of 95 respondents were obtained though stratification based on country of origin and departments, and later randomly selected from each stratum for interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The finding revealed that the economic integration in EAC is impinged by factors within the EAC structure. The study findings indicated that the level of infrastructural development plays a critical role in enhancing trade and reducing cost of doing business. There has been for instance in Kenya mega infrastructure projects that cut across the borders. The lapsset and the Standard Gauge Railway project which are meant to facilitate quicker movement of people and cargo between the Uganda and Kenya, south Sudan and Ethiopia are one such infrastructure initiatives which can easily realise the objective of cost reduction in doing business. The adoption of modern technology will also enhance trade activities. The application of robust cargo clearing and evacuation system helps improve cargo movements at the port and also seals loopholes for revenue leakages. There are variations in the prices of goods and services between the EAC countries but the level of inflation and the level of economic growth between the countries can inform this. The study recommends that, the member states should formulate trade policies that are geared towards enhancing trade and cooperation among member states. The formulation of these policies should reflect common practices that must be followed uniformly across the bloc. One good example is the harmonization of the tax regimes in the bloc. The study further recommends phased removal of non-tariff barriers such as roadblocks to trading and licenses.