Role of Kenyan Parliament on Regional Integration Process of East Africa Community

Abstract

Many countries have come together to establish a regional integration for the benefit of the member countries. The regional integration process is a complex one that needs reforms in a comprehensive manner and inevitably changes member states in a variety of political, social and economic dimensions. The full participation and engagement of the legislative authorities by nations do facilitate the regional integration process among the countries. However, the potential of national Parliaments to enhance regional integration is largely untapped. In the pursuit of a deeper East African Community regional integration, the Kenyan Parliament has played an important role in the legislation as well as ratification of the agreements as entered into by the executive of the member states. It is therefore with this in mind the study investigated the role of Kenyan Parliament on East Africa Community regional integration process. The study specifically, examined the factors shaping the scope of involvement of Kenyan Parliament in the integration process of the EAC; examined the contribution of the Kenyan Parliament regional integration process of the EAC; and evaluated the efficacy of the mechanisms employed by the Kenyan Parliament in enhancing regional integration process in EAC. The study was grounded on the Intergovernmentalism theory. The study applied a descriptive research design that was carried out between the period of 2017 and 2022. The study population for the proposed study was confined to a sample frame of 145 people, comprising of Parliamentarians drawn from the National Assembly, staff of Parliament, Members of the National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Integration and key informants. Using the Tara Yamane technique for calculating sample size of 106 respondent. The study utilized interview schedules as the data collection instrument. The qualitative data was analyzed by use of content analysis. The study results indicated that the scope of involvement of Kenyan Parliament in regional integration process included; approval of amendments and treaties concerning EAC, budgetary role to support EAC activities, legislative agenda provision in terms of an equitable and balanced approach and enhancement of Parliamentary diplomacy. The key factors factor that enhanced Kenyan Parliament in EAC integration process included; common market, customs union, monetary and fiscal policies, political federation, political goodwill, leadership and foreign policy on EAC matters. The contribution of Kenyan Parliament in EAC affairs included the establishment of select committee to oversee EAC issues, domestication of protocols and ratification of amendments, financial and material support to enhance EAC integration process. Therefore, in pursuant to the sustainability of the EAC integration process, the study recommends that the effectiveness of national Parliament should not be at the periphery in the EAC integration process and must be more active and inclusive. The study also recommends that the Kenyan Parliament needs to improve on the efficacy of the mechanisms adopted to enhance EAC integration process. This can be carried out through effective legislation, budget, representation, oversight and monitoring. This will go a long way to enhance EAC integration process.