Implementation of the East African Community Customs Union- Bottlenecks and Reform.

Abstract

Globally, there has been a push towards regionalism with countries seeking to remove obstacles to trans-boundary economic activities. Regionalism is a major development in international relations, with most of the countries belonging to one or more of the existing regional economic communities (RECs). Integration efforts are across the globe, with both developed and developing economies actively participating. Notwithstanding the location of the REC, there seems to be a common thread: economic blocs are moving away from trade control and are further liberalising their economies. There is more commitment to international trade, with countries keen to broaden access to markets. Developing countries are pushing to be recognised as equal partners in the international arena. There is greater acceptance that freer trade is more than tariff reduction but more importantly must include the elimination of obstacles to trade. Balassa’s linear model has remained influential in the direction/ roadmap that RECs proceed on. However, EAC is unique in that it starts with a customs union. This thesis will, through sociological jurisprudence, analyse the implications of the EAC customs union, critique the achievements made so far, identify the bottlenecks and finally recommend legal reform which will serve to address the roadblocks.