Abstract
The study investigates the impact of economic institutions on long term economic growth in East
Africa and the mechanisms through which institutions affect economic growth in the region. The
study used the Kaufman et al (2009) governance an indicator as measures of economic
institutions. The study period was from 1980 to 2015. Panel data estimation techniques were
used. The results revealed that institutional quality is crucial for better economic performance in
the region. Control of corruption, voice and accountability were found to be the crucial
institutional quality indicators that affect economic performance in East Africa.