LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THE EAC INTEGRATION: PARTICIPATORY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENTS OF KENYA.

Abstract

The establishment of devolution in Kenya brought to light the intersection between EAC matters and functions of county governments thereby changing the landscape of how EAC matters are handled at the national level. The early phases of devolution brought significant compliant challenges in implementation of Kenya’s obligations under the EAC, as county governments engaged in legislations and activities that hindered free movement of goods thus contravening provisions of the EAC common market protocol that seeks to liberalize trade. On the other hand, county governments raised concerns on the impact of EAC treaty and protocols on their functions as well as county budgets. While some of these challenges were resolved, county governments are constantly been urged to remove blocks and constraints they have put in place that frustrates regional integration efforts six years into the implementation of devolution in Kenya. This raises a major concern on participation and inclusion of county governments in EAC integration as well as roles accorded to them, bearing in mind foreign affairs is a function of national government and, knowing that certain areas of EAC intersect with devolved functions. This research therefore, examined how county governments have been involved in EAC integration by analyzing their participation through the EAC participatory channels and domestic intergovernmental cooperation, policies, legislation and frameworks as well as the challenges that have limited their participation.