Inter-State Trade Agreements and Its Impact on Trade Relations: Case of Kenya and Tanzania Interstate Agreements, 2010-2020
| dc.contributor.author | Mujema, Esther Ruth | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-18T13:09:38Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-18T13:09:38Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-05 | |
| dc.description | A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, May 2024. Supervisor Caroline Wandiri Mwea | |
| dc.description.abstract | The East African Community has in the past had good relations although with occasional challenges among member states. Drawing the case of Kenya and Tanzania, trade relationship has suffered frequent challenges from economic, ideological, political, social, legal and environmental factors. Trade relations mostly depend on multiple factors such as the nature of the two countries’ macroeconomic landscape in conjunction with other factors like interstate agreements between the two countries. Nevertheless, limited information exists to substantiate the role of these factors in influencing trade relations between the two countries, therefore, making it hard for various stakeholders including the government, business society, and the scholars to project the future of the two states’ economic affairs and make viable recommendations on how the relations could be optimized. This study sought to analyse the interconnection between interstate agreements and economic relations between Kenya and Tanzania, examined the role of interstate agreements influencing trade relationships between Kenya and Tanzania and evaluated the extent to which the East African Community and other inter-state treaties have influenced Kenya-Tanzania trade relations between the period 2010 to 2020. The study employed a descriptive design, analyzing both primary and secondary data to yield qualitative and quantitative findings. Intergovernmental agreements signed between Kenya and Tanzania from 2010 to 2020 positively impacted trade relations by eliminating trade barriers, facilitating goods and services movement, and reducing border clearance time and costs. These agreements played a pivotal role in shaping trade relations. The EAC Customs Union significantly promoted trade among member states by harmonizing policies, reducing non-tariff barriers, and enhancing infrastructure for cross-border trade facilitation. Strengthening the EAC Customs Union is imperative through policy harmonization, non-tariff barrier reduction, and infrastructure enhancement for seamless cross-border trade. Encouraging private sector participation and investment in the EAC region, improving transport infrastructure, and standardizing regulations can further boost regional value chains and trade. Additionally, cross-border promotion of investment and joint ventures can foster economic growth, while nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship can spur the development of new products and services, thus advancing trade relations. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28809 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Inter-State Trade Agreements and Its Impact on Trade Relations: Case of Kenya and Tanzania Interstate Agreements, 2010-2020 | |
| dc.type | Thesis |