Role of the Kenyan parliament in promoting the East African integration; 1963 to 2010

Abstract

This study sets out to examine the role of the Kenyan Parliament in promoting the East African integration since independence up to 2010. The study was guided by the intergovernmentalism theory of integration. In realizing the study??™s objectives, the study relied on secondary data which was drawn from library research of documentary sources of information. These were readily available in Nairobi and Arusha where the Kenyan parliament and EAC headquarters are domiciled respectively. The study tested the following hypotheses: timely domestication of regional protocols by Kenyan parliament leads to a quicker East African integration process; parliamentary oversight over the East African integration processes determines the fate of the integration and participation by the Kenyan parliament in the East African integration process is a manifestation of a representative process. The study found out that the institution has played some role but could do more if certain measures are taken to strengthen it. It also found out that the national parliament may not have had ample space in the EAC integration process due to a domineering Summit. In addition, it found out that the Kenyan Parliament has played an oversight role that has seen the process remain on track; EAC institutions strengthened and the due process of the integration followed. The study concludes that parliament has played a role through a show of goodwill to other actors like the East African Legislative Assembly. This goodwill is in terms of material, financial support and timely domestication of treaties and protocols relating to EAC matters. The study made some recommendations key amongst them being that the EAC integration process be more inclusive. Indeed, other institutions have also been pushed to the periphery in the integration process. This made the study to further recommend that more studies be done on the effectiveness of national parliaments and other actors in the process of regional integration