East Africa common market protocol launched 0
NAIROBI — The East African Community yesterday took a giant leap as member states simultaneously launched the Common Market Protocol. The protocol, which was signed on November 20, last year, allows free movement of goods, services, capital and labour in the bloc. It comes into effect at midnight.
Setting off the common market, President Kibaki ordered the waiver of work permit fees for all East Africans coming to Kenya.
“I am directing the Minister responsible for Immigration to waive fees on work permits for all East African citizens,” the President said.
He also directed Attorney-General Amos Wako to use Parliament to harmonise conflicting laws with EAC countries for the smooth implementation of the protocol.
Speaking at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the President said the expanded market will increase opportunities for trade in goods and services.
Pact shatters barriers to free flow of goods
Life will soon be much better for East Africans with the coming into effect of the Common Market Protocol today. The protocol will bring down barriers to movement of labour and goods in the region in what experts are saying will be a boon to the people of the bloc.
Although analysts say it may take up to two years for the benefits of the protocol to trickle down to the citizens, it is one of the most significant developments in the region.
Ugandan teacher
A Ugandan secondary school teacher working in Kenya, for example, will be able to join the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet). This is one of the provisions outlined by the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, allowing workers of nationalities other than the host, but from within the community, to join trade unions in the countries where they work.
Other benefits expected to accrue are lower prices due to enhanced competition and job creation. “With the free movement, lowly paid workers will discover better paying prospects across borders,” Prof Inonda Mwanje, the executive director of the Africa Public Policy Institute argues.
This would not only trigger competition for the best workers within the bloc’s labour market, but also improve pay and working conditions. Movement by citizens of a partner state in search of greener pastures in another country within the community just got easier. Those who have hitherto been considered “foreigners” but hail from within the community will enjoy new preferential status, equivalent to the local people.
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By Cosmas Butunyi and Lucas Barasa – Daily Nation
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