CHALLENGES THAT FACED THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY UP TO 1977

Challenges that faced the East African Community up to 1977

1. 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.
2. Personality differences. This was between individual leaders of the three countries, making it more difficult for them to hold meetings.
3. Ideological differences. Each of the three countries pursued different economies. Kenya followed capitalism and Tanzania’s socialism. Uganda had a mixed economy.
4. 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.
5. National pride and interests. National interests were given more priority than the regional interests were. E.g Tanzania favored railway transport while Kenya favored road transport.
6. Boundary closures. Tanzania closed its common border with Kenya in 1977, thereby halting community activities. There was also a boundary closure between Tanzania and Uganda during the war between the two in 1978.
7. Financial constraints resulting from the failure by member states to remit funds to meet the organization’s needs.
8. The use of different currencies by the three nations made transactions difficult.