Dynamics of East African Regional Trade and Implications on Poverty Alleviation in Kenya
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Date
2024-09
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
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.
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Citation
Lolgisoi, B. N., & Mung’ale, A. (2024). Dynamics of East African Regional Trade and Implications on Poverty Alleviation In Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(9), 88-102.