East African Politics

Although the eastern part of Africa is now commonlyKenya being the wealthiest among the three states
known as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania,as of the present will have to pay duty for goods
geographically and geopolitically, there are altogetherentering the other two states (Uganda and Tanzania)
19 territories that constitute it. Currently, Rwanda anduntil 2010 (Wikipedia, 2007). A common system is
Burundi are pushing to be included as part of the mainused for other countries supplying the three. Partner
states in this region of Africa. The population here isstates give equal contribution for the core budget.
currently over one hundred million and an area of 1.8Mobilized resources from within and outside the
million square kilometers which comprises of naturalregion funds regional programs and projects. Having
resources like mines, forests and farmlands. Also aso much in common gives the three states numerous
site of breathtaking views and scenes which arebenefits like wider market for goods which in turn
targets for discovering, Mt.Kilimanjaro and Lakewould attract more investors. Also, good quality
Victoria as examples (Wikipedia, 2007).goods will be made cheaper because of competition.
Kenya and Uganda were colonies of the British whileAn increase on tourism earnings once the Single
Tanzania was under the Germans. However, whenTourist Visa is approved because it may be used for
Germany was defeated in World War II, Tanzaniathe three current member states of the EAC.
also became a colony of Great Britain. ResistantOne cause of political drawbacks is time. Negotiations
movements were formed which lead toand discussions require enough time and sometimes
independence, Tanzania being the first to experiencethe estimated time frame did not always meet
it. Soon after, the first Federation in East Africa wasreality. The sequencing may be off and the
formed but did not last for long. Differentestimated completion may not be met. Specific
philosophies which they individually followed were thecountry conditions are sometimes forgotten to take
main cause of this downfall. A political union wasinto consideration. Another one is decision making. It
already underway during this time and the Eastplays a crucial part and has to be done in legal steps
African Legislative Assembly was then formedbut some operations were not totally measured.
(Community, 2004-2006). The EALA manages mostlyResource constraints also cause delays. Activities
the budget of the community and handles the affairsrequire resources to be implemented. Privatization and
concerning the Treaty. The rotary system wasrestructuring were not handled well due to pressure
introduced and continues to be used (Tordoff, 1967).from outside the government. In addition to those
To ensure that people adhere to the law interpretedmentioned, partner states are not equal in wealth and
and applied with fulfillment with the East Africandevelopment.
Treaty of 1999, the East African Court of JusticeTo achieve the community's goals, peace, security,
was formed. The education system in the threestability and good neighborliness is also needed.
states varies only a little. Each state adopted theFundamental and operational principles should be
British way of educating. Most students prefer to gostrengthened. There should be no gender
to Kenya which is believed to be where they candiscrimination. Work towards a people-centered
attain a higher education. The East African shillinggrowth and encourage good governance. Maintain the
ceased to be used when the states attainedlong standing bond in all aspects by Partner States
independence from the British. Each introduced itsand relations between the people of the region
own currency. However, proposals are being made to(Community, 2006).
unify the currency and the market.