Regional Integration and Economic Rivalry Within the Eac Bloc: the Case of Kenya-tanzania

Abstract

Regional integration is a multifaceted process which involves collaboration, coordination, connectedness as well as and deep integration and not only involve economic and trade relations but also include political, social and environmental concerns as well. This study aim at examining the link between regional integration and economic rivalry within the EAC bloc using Kenya-Tanzania as a case study. It was guided by three objectives which include; examining the efficacy of the EAC Institutional Framework in enhancing the regional cooperation, investigating the factors leading to the economic rivalry between the two countries within the EAC economic bloc and investigating the strategies that has been applied in addressing the Kenya-Tanzania rivalry with in the EAC economic bloc. The study utilized Jakob Viner's Static analysis theory of trade integration to examine the link between regional integration and economic rivalry within the EAC bloc using Kenya-Tanzania as a case study. Further, the study utilized a pragmatic design that combines explorative and descriptive research designs to analyze the subject area. All the individuals targeted by the study were sampled using purposive and total population sampling techniques. Data was gathe red from diplomats, EAC officials, immigration officials, academics and Civil Society Organizations as well as Business Persons who are engaged and well versed with issues of regional integration and economic rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania. The primary data was collected using interview guides that contained open-ended questions based on the study variables. The interviews were conducted through internet calls using Zoom and WhatsApp. This is because personal contact was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data was sourced from journals, printed materials and online sources. Data from interviews were analyzed using content analysis based on key themes. Findings were quantified and presented descriptively based on the relative importance of the key themes. The other findings were subjected to content analysis and presented in prose. Document analysis was used to analyze secondary data from journals and other sources. The findings show that, Article 9 of the Treaty provides the legal basis for establishment of the institutional framework and it guides the pursuit of EAC organizations’ objectives. It is upon such institutional framework where the institutions and organs of the community are established. The efficacy of the institutional framework varies from one institution to the other. Additionally, there are several factors which are responsible for the economic rivalry that ensued between Tanzania and Kenya from 2019-2020. For instance, differences in political and economic ideologies are the main factors contributing to such acrimony and diplomatic row. There are several strategies which have been adopted to resolve the economic rivalry between these Kenya and Tanzania although their effectiveness differs from one to the next. This research study offers some policy and academic recommendations which can improve the rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania as well as restore cordial economic inter-state relations. For instance, there is need to ensure strict adherence to the stipulations of the common market protocols and those of the Treaty which led to formation of the EAC. Also follow and adhere to all binding decisions stemming from the joint cooperation commission (JCC) on matters pertaining the two states. i.e Kenya and Tanzania. Further, there is need for harmonization of immigration and travel documents among partner states so as to reduce trade and immigration bottlenecks, emanating from differences in national policies. There is also need for equitable sharing of transboundary resources among the two states to avert such rivalry in future.