KCSE CRE QUESTION AND ANSWERS

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY 2001

27/3/2022

It has boosted movement of citizens within the three member states of East Africa. An East African passport has been introduced.
It has provided a forum for the East African Leaders to discuss issues harmoniously.
It has facilitated the improvement and expansion of transport and communication networks between the three East African countries.
Tariffs for industrial goods produced in East Africa have been reduced.
Investment procedures have been eased to enable all citizens to invest more easily within the community.
It has enhanced cooperation of the civil society leading to formation of the Law Society of East Africa and the Business Council of East Africa.
The community has promoted trade among member states by encouraging citizens to conduct trade in all the countries.

27/3/2022

Suspicion still exists over perceived dominance of Kenya in the community affairs.
Despite signing the treaty in 1999, Tanzania customs are still taxing Kenyan products.
Increased cross-border smuggling. The freedom of movement within the region sometimes results in smuggling of illegal arms and spread of crime and insecurity. E.g. the smuggling of a vehicle belonging to Kenya’s Chief of Staff, General Joseph Kibwana to Tanzania in 2004.
Cattle rustling across the borders. This is common on the Kenya Uganda border with the Pokot and Karamojong attacking each other
Arrest of Kenyan fishermen on Lake Victoria by either Tanzania or Ugandan policemen/navy accusing them of fishing in their waters.
Membership to other regional bodies e.g. COMESA, SADDC. This complicates the work of the EAC.
The recent wrangles between Kenya and Uganda over ownership of Migingo Island. Although this problem was resolved by Uganda conceding Kenya’s ownership of the Island, it raised tension between the two countries.
The use of different currencies by the three nations has made transaction difficult.
Political squabbles in the individual countries slow down the progress of the community
Individual national interests have slowed down the implementation of the activities of the community the deep-seated differences between the member states over the proposed taxes on imports from countries outside the region.

27/3/2022

Suspicion over perceived dominance among members. Tanzania and Uganda accused Kenya of acquiring the lion’s share of benefits from the community. Kenyan industries for example were protected more by the common external tariffs.
Personality differences. This was between individual leaders of the three countries, making it more difficult for them to hold meetings.
Ideological differences. Each of the three countries pursued different economies. Kenya followed capitalism and Tanzania socialism. Uganda had a mixed economy.
Political instability in Uganda. The coup d’état, which overthrew Milton Obote, undermined the unity that was desired for the organization. Nyerere for example refused to recognize Amin as the president of Uganda.
National pride and interests. National interests were given more priority than the regional interests were. E.g Tanzania favoured railway transport while Kenya favoured road transport.
Boundary closures .Tanzania closed its common border with Kenya in 1977, thereby halting the community activities. There was also boundary closure between Tanzania and Uganda during the war between the two in 1978.
Financial constraints resulting from failure by member states to remit funds to meet the organization’s needs.
The use of different currencies by the three nations made transaction difficult.