RP-School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies

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Browsing RP-School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies by Author "Lolgisoi, Betty Naisenya"

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    Dynamics of East African Regional Trade and Implications on Poverty Alleviation in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-09) Lolgisoi, Betty Naisenya; Mung’ale, Andrew
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamics of East African Community regional trade and its implications on poverty alleviation, with a focus on Kenya. The contention of this study is that poverty is one of the main global challenges facing humanity today due to depleting resources and growing population. Even with the Kenyan government's efforts to eliminate poverty and attain Sustainable Development Goal No 1 since gaining independence, half of the Kenyan population continue to live in poverty, lacking access to fundamental services like healthcare, education, adequate housing, and potable water. The study sought to investigate East African Community regional trade on poverty alleviation with a focus on Kenya. The study adopted Ricardian theory of comparative advantage, Heckscher-Ohlin theory and regional integration theory. Explanatory and descriptive research design were used targeting all 44 staff from the State Department of East African Community Affairs, 30 staff from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and 743 traders from City Square Centre, Starehe Sub-County. Respondents were identified using systematic random sampling from a sample that included 39 staff members from the State Department of East African Community Affairs, 28 personnel from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and 260 traders from City Square. The collection of primary data involved the use of a semi-structured interview framework. The instrument’s validity was assessed through content, face, and construct validity. To confirm its reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated, yielding a value of 0.7. Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, qualitative data, organized thematically, underwent content analysis. Ethical conduct was observed such as confidentiality and voluntary participation of respondents. The research identified a substantial and beneficial correlation between poverty reduction and regional trade. The regional trade had a notable impact on the mitigation of poverty. It was concluded that there was a relationship between EAC regional trade and poverty alleviation in Kenya. It was concluded that regional trade has resulted to more economic growth necessary in enhancing household income for poverty alleviation in Kenya. The study recommended that Kenya should build capacities and create favorable environment for its population to enhance more exports into the EAC regional trade.