States are cooperating more through integration. Of course, other than states such as the UK and the US, which are moving into an anti-globalisation direction.
Kenya continues to prioritise growth and development of her economy and this links with the Protocol on the Establishment of the EAC Common Market.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart President John Magufuli last Saturday launched the Namanga one-stop border post.
As pointed out by Donald Kaberuka, former president of the African Development Bank, in order to achieve high rates of economic growth in Africa, there is a need to invest in institutions, integration and infrastructure. EAC is making progress in these three areas.
Kenya has emerged as a dominant player and established herself as the linchpin of the East African region economy.
Being the largest economy as well as most dynamic in the EAC, the overall performance of the region to a greater extent depends on what happens here in Kenya.
The effects of Kenya’s electoral violence in 2007-08, gives a good example of the importance Kenya holds in partner states’ economies.
Kenya’s economy is well linked to the regional economies in regard to investment flows, foreign direct investments, trading, infrastructure development and advancement in ICT.
As the ‘big brother’ in the region, therefore, Kenya has to bilaterally and multilaterally relate with her neighbours in a certain well-structured framework. This is in consideration of the differences that exist, inherently and those brought about in pursuit of respective national interests. This is consistent with the assumption that every state in the international system is selfish, and seeks to first achieve her national interests
In this regard, Kenya took the position that building a common market across East Africa along with co-operation across Africa would make her more attractive to foreign investors. It has, therefore, been in the forefront in implementation and promotion of the Common Market Protocol and implementation of other EAC MoUs.
During the launch of the Namanga border post, President Kenyatta said, “I am pleased with the progress EAC partner states are making to fast-track the Integration agenda. Indeed, the modernisation of infrastructure and enhancement of intra-regional interactions will facilitate the prosperity for our people.”
This launch focused on small-scale traders who do business across the border. But other than the good speeches, what is exactly happening on the ground, unfairly affecting these traders and other businesspersons?
In September 2016, Kenyan tour operators accused Tanzanian authorities of denying Kenyan tourists access to Serengeti National Park.
As reported by Business Today Kenya, they said tourists wishing to visit Serengeti from the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve were being denied access through Sand River Gate border point, noting that this goes against the EAC treaty on free movement of people, goods and services.
And in July last year the Kenya Association of Manufacturers accused Tanzania of retaining restrictions that existed before a truce was reached by respective Foreign Affairs ministers, making it hard for Kenyan products to access its market.
Kenya’s the Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed, and her Tanzanian counterpart, Augustine Mahinga, announced the two states had agreed to end the import restrictions after ironing out long-standing trade differences.
Kenya lifted restrictions on Tanzanian wheat flour and liquefied petroleum gas, while
Tanzania on its end removed its blockade of Kenyan milk and milk products, and cigarettes.
In November last year, Kenyan authorities protested after Tanzania police burnt to death 6,400 one-day-old chicks from Kenya, on suspicion they could spread bird flu.
This came shortly after Tanzania seized and auctioned 1,300 cattle belonging to Maasais from Kenya.
So, how honest is Tanzania in this integration process? The country’s non-committal to regional affairs is historical, and at some point led to what was called the Coalition of the Willing.
Uhuru said it very candidly: “When we look across our borders at each other, we don't see competitors or rivals. The economic success of each member State is dependent on fostering synergies across EAC, to better position ourselves both as nations and as a community for the available opportunities.”
He added that it is the small-scale traders who drive the Kenyan economy, and they should be supported to do business across the border unhindered
It is imperative, therefore, that Tanzania walks
it like it
talks
it. It is only fair