Kenya has been part of the East African Common Market since 2010.
In a single market, countries win some and lose some. Kenyan workers are employed in all East African member states because they get automatic work permits and are hard-working and well-qualified. That is a benefit.
However the import of cheap maize, eggs and poultry from Uganda and Tanzania is a cost. Their farmers can produce at a lower price than Kenya because land and labour are cheaper.
But it is not a cost to all Kenyans because the import of cheaper food from neighbouring states brings down the cost of living for the wananchi.
This is how a single market works. Over time, capital and labour are invested where they make the best return. That's why farmers in Trans Nzoia are giving up growing maize in favour of raising chicken. That's why the cost of eggs went up last year when Kenya temporarily blocked the import of Ugandan eggs.
But, over time, everyone should be a winner in a single market. Each national economy will grow larger as it exports more and imports what is cheaper.
Quote of the day: "But which is the stone that supports the bridge?"
Kublai Khan
The warlord became ruler of the Mongol Empire on May 5, 1260
