Socioeconomic Impact and Implementation Challenges of the COMESA Free Movement of Persons Protocol on Economic Development in Kenya

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dc.contributor.authorMutai, Daisy Chepngetich
dc.contributor.authorWasonga, Joseph
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-08T11:58:11Z
dc.date.available2025-10-08T11:58:11Z
dc.date.issued2023
dc.descriptionArticle
dc.description.abstractThe study purpose of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Movement of Persons Protocol (FMPP) and its consequential effects on Kenya's economic development. By examining the various dimensions of the COMESA FMPP, including its policy implications, legal framework, and practical challenges, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of the protocol's impact on Kenya's economic landscape. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study assessed key economic indicators, such as trade flows, investment patterns, provision of visa on arrival, and skill mobility, to gauge the protocol's influence on Kenya's economic growth and regional integration within the COMESA framework. The study's findings underscore the transformative impact of the COMESA FMPP on mobility, trade, investment, and the associated challenges in Kenya. The COMESA FMPP has acted as a catalyst for enhanced labor mobility, facilitating the movement of skilled professionals across borders, contributing to labor market diversification and new employment opportunities. However, challenges persist in ratification and implementation of the protocol and lack of political commitment across member states, potentially hindering the protocol's full potential. The protocol has significantly improved trade and foreign direct investment in Kenya, with increased trade flows, especially in sectors relying on a skilled labor force by issuance of visa on arrival at entry points. Yet, policy harmonization among member states is necessary for unlocking the full growth potential in trade and investment. The study highlights the complexity of policy and legal framework challenges, such as harmonizing immigration and labor policies, recognizing professional qualifications, sovereignty issue and ensuring cross-border security, which demand close cooperation among member states. Public awareness and understanding are essential for successful implementation. Recommendations include ensuring full ratification of the COMESA FMPP, immigration laws harmonization, capacity building, policy harmonization, investment promotion, infrastructure development, constant continuous stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and strengthening cross-border security.
dc.identifier.citationMutai, D. C & Wasonga, J. (2023). Socioeconomic Impact and Implementation Challenges of the COMESA Free Movement of Persons Protocol on Economic Development in Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(11), 85 – 93
dc.identifier.urihttps://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31624
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherJournal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS)
dc.titleSocioeconomic Impact and Implementation Challenges of the COMESA Free Movement of Persons Protocol on Economic Development in Kenya
dc.typeArticle
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