Fast Tracking East African Political Federation: The Role and Limitations of the East African Legislative Assembly

Abstract

The revival of the East African community (EAC) in 1999 ushered in new hope for
the transformation of the region by a functioning entity with powers to allocate
the resources necessary for development. However, the fast tracking East African
political federation has failed to provide a clear link between itself – as a statutory
organ of the EAC – and the people of East Africa in the integration process. Instead, it
has been recommended that “commissions and task forces” should be established
to drive political integration project. This article provides a critical review of the recommendations of the fast tracking East Africa political federation (also known
as the Wako committee) as well as those of the national consultative committees.
It offers specifi c recommendations considered to be relevant for the region.

Africa Insight Vol. 37 (4) 2008 pp. 76-97