The influence of civil society organizations (CSOs) on the integration of the east african community (EAC)

Abstract

The East African Community (EAC) in its renewed integration attempt appreciated the importance of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and formally included them in the treaty that re-established the community. However, despite their inclusion in the community effort, scanty attention has been accorded to studying their influence on EAC policies. The anticipation that their inclusion will play an integral role in the integration process occasioned the need to examine their actual influence in order to provide timely, appropriate and necessary advice to policymakers on the input of CSOs to the pursuit of community objectives. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the influence of CSOs on the integration of the EAC. It specifically sought to evaluate the influence of CSOs on the policies of the EAC; investigate the strategies adopted by CSOs in seeking to influence EAC policies; analyze the determinants of CSO influence on the EAC policy processes; and to examine the challenges facing CSOs in their attempts to influence EAC policies. The study was guided by the neo- functionalist theory and it adopted a mixed methods approach. The target population of the study was CSOs in the EAC, state officials from the member states involved in EAC affairs, and EAC officials. Multi-stage, purposive and snow-balling sampling techniques were adopted in the identification of respondents for the study. The study settled for a sample of the three original member states of the Community, that is, Kenya, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Nine CSOs and five EAC officials were selected from the three members states and the EAC Secretariat. Data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and the review of existing literature. The quantitative data was entered and analyzed in a spreadsheet to generate aggregates and for graphical display. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analyses and presented in discussions. The study findings indicate that CSOs are mainly involved at the implementation stage of the EAC policy processes whereas they are least involved in the agenda setting and formulation levels. Additionally, CSOs are mostly involved in gender issues and least participate in socio-cultural issues, science and technology and agricultural policies. In the pursuit of their objectives, awareness building ranked highest as the main strategy adopted by CSOs whereas consultation ranked lowest. Organizational strength emerged as the most significant determinant of CSO influence whereas resource endowment was identified as the least significant. Lack of local finance was identified as the most pronounced challenge facing CSOs in the EAC whereas pursuit of parochial interests by CSOs appeared as the least significant challenge. The study concludes that CSOs have moderately influenced integration policies in the EAC. However, the bureaucratic nature of the integration process at the partner states and Community levels largely excludes CSOs in the critical decision-making stages of the EAC policy processes which limits their overall influence. The study recommends that CSOs should collaborate closely with each other in support of EACSOF to make it a formidable regional organization that can effectively engage with the EAC. Additionally, the EAC should move beyond creating space and a forum for the Community to engage with CSOs and foster closer working relations with these organizations.