Free Access | November 2000

The final draft of the evaluation report of the implementation of the East African Cooperation Development strategy 1997-2000

Authors/Editors: Economic Policy Research Centre

Abstract:

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have had close economic ties since World War I. In 1967 the three independent countries signed the treaty for East African Cooperation establishing the East African Community to control and administer certain matters of interest and to regulate commercial and industrial relations and transactions among themselves. In 1977, the EAC was officially dissolved. Since 1992, the three countries have participated in cross-border initiatives (CBI), committed to foster economic integration. In 1993, steps began towards restoring the economic cooperation between the three countries. A Permanent Tripartite Commission for the EAC was therefore established by Agreement and Declaration made by Heads of States for closer economic, social and political cooperation. In 1996 the EAC secretariat was established. The EAC Development Strategy (1997-2000) was launched on 29 April 1997 by the three Heads of State representing Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In the concluding section of the EAC Development Strategy (1997- 2000), it is indicated that at the end of the implementation period, the commission would undertake an evaluation of the strategy. The purpose for the evaluation would be to ascertain the level of implementation of the development strategy for 1997-2000. The evaluation findings would be used as a basis, for the proposal of the next Development strategy to be launched early year 2001. It is against this background that the EAC Secretariat commissioned a study to evaluate the implementation of the strategy. This evaluation study seeks to assess the extent to which the implementation of various programmes and agreed measures has proceeded and where implementation has fallen short the consultants have identified reasons for lack of effective implementation by member states. The most binding obstacles to promotion of cross border economic activities in the region are also identified in the study.