Emerging challenges in implementing the common market protocol for free movement of goods in the East African community

This paper delves into the intricate challenges encountered by Tanzania in effectively implementing the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol (CMP) pertaining to the seamless movement of goods to Kenya. The research adopts a case study design, employing qualitative and in-depth methods to gather data. The data collection process utilizes a purposeful sampling technique involving 30 participants, and thematic analysis is employed for data analysis. The findings highlight several tariff barriers that hinder the effective implementation of the EAC CMP, including customs duties, quantitative restrictions, measures with equivalent impact to customs duties, and those with equivalent impact to quantitative restrictions. Furthermore, the study uncovers non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that impede the free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya, such as political barriers, high transportation costs, food insecurity, discrepancies in standards, limited logistics and trade services, and restricted access to finance. The study concludes that the EAC Partner States bear the responsibility of eliminating existing tariff and non-tariff restrictions that obstruct trade, as well as refraining from imposing new ones. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of the economic integration within the EAC by shedding light on the novel challenges encountered in the implementation of the CMP concerning the free movement of goods. © 2023


Introduction
The East African Community (EAC) integration process is progressing in four stages: the EAC customs union protocol, which kicked off in 2005 and started its full operation in 2010; the EAC common market protocol, which came into force in 2010; the EAC monetary union protocol, which was approved and signed in 2015; and the political federation, which is in the process of being established. Under the treaty establishing the East African Community, "common market" means the Partner States' markets are integrated into a single market in which there is free movement of capital, labor, goods, and services (EAC, 1999). The sixth East African Community Development Strategy (2021/22-2025/26) emphasizes increased trade development and the free movement of economic growth factors such as labor, goods, services, and capital across the region (EAC, 2021). The purpose of the aforementioned strategy is to promote strategic implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol (CMP) through removing restrictions and allowing free mobility of economic growth factors among the Partner States. Free movement of economic growth factors is more important than ever before because it will lead to development among the Partner States and create value and wealth through trade. 531 goods within the EAC and poor communication among the Partner States (Barack & Munga, 2021;ECA, 2020). For example, in 2017, the Kenyan government condemned Tanzania's government decision to burn the smuggled chicks and also auctioned animals from Kenyan pastoralists without communicating the issues to the Kenyan government. Similarly, in 2021, trans-border truck drivers from Tanzania were prevented to enter in Kenya, claiming that a big percent of them had been affected by COVID-19, despite having COVID-19 clean test certificates from Tanzania (Barack & Munga, 2021).
All the aforementioned scenarios affirm that the EAC Common Market Protocol (CMP) still faces numerous unidentified challenges, necessitating further investigation. This study aims to examine the specific challenges encountered by Tanzania, an EAC partner state, in effectively implementing the CMP for the free movement of goods to Kenya. The research question guiding this study is: "What are the obstacles in implementing the EAC CMP for the free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya?" The significance of this research stems from the limited understanding of the current challenges related to the EAC CMP implementation specifically for the movement of goods between Tanzania and Kenya. While previous studies have explored challenges within the EAC (EAC, 1999;Mvungi, 2011;Mwenedata & Bangayandusha, 2016), there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding the present obstacles in implementing the EAC CMP for the free movement of goods in East African countries. Furthermore, no definitive solutions have been proposed to ensure the smooth implementation of the EAC CMP for free movement of goods.

Literature Review Theoretical review
This study is based on David Ricardo's comparative advantage theory (1817), which suggests that countries should focus on producing goods in which they have a cost advantage compared to others. Redding (2004) supports Adam Smith's notion that technological innovation leading to specialization can provide absolute advantages in terms of production cost per unit compared to competitors producing the same product in other countries. However, international trade and investment flows can be influenced by various factors across borders, such as geography, technology, logistics, communication infrastructure, politics, and legal considerations.
According to the theory of comparative advantage, international trade can occur when there is specialization and cost advantages, thereby discouraging trade restrictions among partner states. For instance, Tanzania specializes in the production and export of wood, cereals, and vegetables to Kenya, while Kenya specializes in the production and export of soap, packaged medicaments, and coated flat-rolled iron to Tanzania. Therefore, protectionism is viewed as interference in the free operation of market forces. Consequently, eliminating non-tariff barriers (NTBs) could benefit both countries, allowing them to focus and specialize in producing more costeffective products and services for mutual gain. This would deepen and strengthen trade relationships and enhance the quality of life for citizens and businesses in both countries.

Empirical review
The challenges confronting the implementation of the EAC CMP are expected to stem from tariff barriers (TBs) and non-tariff barriers (NTBs). NTBs are defined as the restrictions that make importation or exportation difficult or costly and thus impede trade (EAC, 2004). Government laws, regulations, policies, conditions, restrictions, and business practices that protect domestic industries from foreign competition result in NTBs (Karugia, et al., 2009). TBs are any customs duties on imports or exports that impede trade (EAC, 2004). As a rule of law, creating a free trade area requires the systematic elimination of trade barriers such as customs duties and quantitative restrictions.
Studies indicate that most of the tariff-related barriers to the movement of goods have been largely eliminated between the Partner States in the EAC, but unresolved old and new emerging NTBs still prevail and at times hamper trade exchange between EAC Partner States (Barack & Munga, 2021;Calabrese & Eberhard-Ruiz, 2016;Mwenedata & Bangayandusha, 2016). NTBs in the EAC, according to Calabrese and Eberhard-Ruiz (2016), include measures that impose monetary costs on imports (tax-like measures), quality and safety standards, import bans, and cost-increasing measures incurred during trade monitoring and facilitation (customs and trade facilitation measures). Customs and trade facilitation NTBs are the most commonly resolved, while tax-like and quality/safety standards NTBs are more prevalent and largely remain unresolved in the EAC (Calabrese & Eberhard-Ruiz, 2016;EAC, 2021;Mwenedata & Bangayandusha, 2016). NTBs are generally detrimental to regional trade, reducing potential benefits and hindering intra-regional trade.
Studies mention several challenges that confront the implementation of the EAC CMP. Kinyua (2015) found that Partner States do not benefit from regional integrations due to NTBs and delays in harmonizing tax regimes. Reducing the cost of non-tariff barriers to trade in East Africa would improve the social welfare of farmers and traders by 50% (Karugia, et al., 2009). The study identified the five main non-tariff barriers to trade in East Africa: roadblocks, police checkpoints, bribes, and customs rules and procedures. Okumu and Nyankori (2010) argue that NTBs persist in the EAC customs union, with cumbersome documentation requirements, unstandardized weighbridges, roadblocks, a lack of recognition, and unharmonized standards. Likewise, Mwenedata & Bangayandusha (2016) highlight that Rwanda has laws that contradict the EAC CMP and lacks effective institutions to monitor its implementation. In a similar vein, Okwir (2014) argues that legal obstacles to the implementation of the CMP focus on economic facts, while access to housing and employment markets is still subject to economic conditions. Thus, despite the fact that the EAC CMP provides benefits to Partner States, some states find it potentially detrimental to their own economic interests. Kuteesa (2012) argues that overlapping membership in regional economic integration can lead to confusion in trade at the EAC level, as the requirements for the COMESA are almost identical to those of the EAC CMP, making it difficult for EAC Partner States to choose tariffs. Moreover, political commitment to the EAC CMP is low and hindered by national laws and bureaucratic bottlenecks, making it difficult to quantify its economic benefits. Although studies have been conducted to investigate the challenges confronting EAC CMP (Kinyua, 2015;Mvungi, 2011;Mwenedata & Bangayandusha, 2016;Okwir, 2014), little is known about the current challenges confronting its implementation on the free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya. In a similar vein, studies have not found a solution for the smooth implementation of the EAC CMP on free movement of goods in East African countries.

Research design
A case study design was proposed in this research. Case study design investigates a phenomenon in depth and in real context to understand individuals' experiences and performance (Kothari, 2009;Yin, 2014). This study was qualitative and used various methods to collect authentic data, resulting in reliable findings. Qualitative research approach was used to collect detailed, in-depth and enough information from the field.

Study area and population of the study
Tanzania was chosen as the area of study because it is the largest producer of agricultural raw materials in the region and has a larger population than its partner states, creating a big market for other EAC Partner States. If the CMP is fully implemented, Tanzania will have the advantage of increasing its economy through productivity, leading to exports and imports. The target population for this study was Arusha, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam. This is because Arusha is the EAC Secretariat Headquarter, Dodoma is the Government Capital City, where the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MIIT) is located, and Dar es Salaam is the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) headquarters. Dar es Salaam is also the biggest business city in Tanzania, with a large number of offices of Tanzanian exporters and importers.

The sample size and sampling procedure
A sample of 30 participants was selected from EAC Secretariat officers, Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade officers, importer and exporter representatives, and Tanzania Revenue Authority officers. Among the 30 participants, 4 were senior officers from the EAC Secretariat. The selection of senior officers and importer and exporter representatives was influenced by the fact that they had more experience and had been on the job for a number of years. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique for the purpose of selecting sample units that provided information on the study, specifically on the current challenges confronting the implementation of the EAC CMP.

Data collection method
In-depth interviews and documentary reviews were used to collect data from both primary and secondary sources to increase general knowledge and identify areas of expertise. A semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used to collect primary data. Documentary review was also done to reveal new challenges facing implementation of the CMP on free movement of goods. The documents reviewed included the EAC Treaty, the Customs Union, the Heads of State Communique, and the Common Market Protocols. Other documents reviewed were EAC Council of Ministers reports, Ministry of Industry and Trade reports, the EAC Competition Law, EAC Secretariat reports, and Tanzania Revenue Authority reports, as well as reports on the status of implementation of the protocol with regard to movement of goods across EAC Partner States. Research explored opinion and policy rationale on challenges confronting free movement of goods to support Tanzania industrial development agenda.

Data analysis
In this study, data obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews and documentary reviews were analyzed thematically through three important stages: assembling, coding, and assigning (Yin, 2014). In the first stage, all the data obtained from each method was assembled together. After that, the researcher grouped the data obtained from each method into different categories based on their themes. Finally, data from each group was interpreted separately, proving results based on the literature and theories.

Validity and reliability of data
In ensuring the validity of the study, the researcher consulted experienced researchers on how to construct proper instruments of data collection. The use of multiple methods of data collection, such as interviews and documentary review, is necessary to guarantee the validity and reliability of the study because the weaknesses of one method can be clearly complemented by another (Yin, 2014). To ensure the reliability of the study, informants were carefully selected. The essence was to ensure that only those who had the required qualities and knowledge of CMP took part in the study. Also, the familiar East African language (Kiswahili) was used in data collection tools. The aim was to ensure that participants understand all of the instructions given to them so that their responses accurately reflect their knowledge of the study at hand. Furthermore, the use of the saturation technique ensured the collection of a large and sufficient amount of data to ensure accurate and reliable study results.

Ethical consideration
In conducting this study, the research ethics were completely adhered to (Kumar, 2014). The researcher requested a permission letter for data collection from the Tanzanian authoritative organs to conduct this research. Moreover, the researcher explained the aim of the study to the participants and the importance of their participation. They participated willingly and voluntarily. Also, junior officers participated in the study after being given permission by their supervisors in their respective areas. All information from informants was strictly confidential.

Findings and Discussion
This section presents the qualitative research findings on the challenges that Tanzania, as EAC partner state, face in implementing the EAC CMP on free movement of goods to Kenya. The research question is, "what are the challenges to implementing the EAC CMP on free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya?" The findings are based on the participants' opinion, feelings, and arguments regarding the challenges to implementing the EAC CMP on free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya.

The challenges affecting the implementation of EAC CMP on free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya
There were varying participants' perceptions on the question: "what are the challenges to implementing the EAC CMP on free movement of goods from Tanzania to Kenya?" However, the main notable challenges were tariff and non-tariff barriers. The participants are summarized in Table 1.

Tariff barriers
The study identified several crucial tariff-related issues, namely customs duties, quantitative restrictions, measures equivalent to customs duties, and measures equivalent to quantitative restrictions. The latter two factors pose challenges in measurement and interpretation due to their involvement with various activities of local and regional authorities, as well as other interest groups. Consequently, these factors hinder trade exchange between states within the East African Community (EAC).
In addition, Participant B made a compelling argument, stating, "Despite the existing customs union protocol of 2005, sometimes new customs duties such as export and import duties, as well as quantitative restrictions, arise and thus hamper the free movement of goods in the EAC. Also, some Partner States in the EAC discriminate and restrict trade by pretending to protect public safety, health, national culture, and home trade" (Participant B, 2022).
This implies that certain Partner States exploit this clause to discriminate against imported goods. Consequently, it is imperative for the Partner States to eliminate customs duties altogether, facilitating easy border crossing and the free trade of goods within the EAC. The study's findings underscore the need for the EAC to address these tariff-related challenges and discriminatory practices effectively. By eliminating customs duties and ensuring fair and equitable trade practices, the EAC can promote a more integrated and prosperous economic environment within the region. Many of the remaining unresolved NTBs involve discriminatory charges, fees, and levies imposed by Member States, nonpreferential treatment of goods originating from Member States, refusal to recognize calibration certificates from Member States, and the insistence on upfront payment of guaranteed cheques for oil storage and penalties after the expiry of the grace period (RMC, 2022).

Non-tariff barriers
Moreover, the study revealed several NTBs that continue to hinder the free movement of goods within the EAC, including political barriers, high transport costs, food insecurity, discrepancies in standards, limited logistics and trade services, and restricted access to finance. These factors collectively contribute to the ongoing challenges faced in achieving unhindered trade activities within the EAC.

Political barriers
According to reports, there has been a recurring trend among Member States governments in the East African Community (EAC) to engage in practices that restrict and hinder trade, thus impeding the smooth implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol (CMP) (Author1, Year1). Participant C contributes to this discussion by stating: "Although the EAC Common Market protocol has allowed agricultural produce such as maize, beans, banana, and sorghum to be traded with preferential treatment within EAC countries, there are instances where we face obstacles due to administrative restrictions and a lack of permits. This situation often arises after the consignment has been collected but before export. These instances highlight the existence of non-tariff barriers and trade restrictions that create tension and hinder trade relations between Member States within the EAC. Such actions not only disrupt the smooth flow of goods and services but also strain diplomatic relations and hamper regional cooperation.

High transport costs
The findings from the documentary review of JICA's report on the Project for Master Plan on Logistics in the Northern Economic Corridor of 2017 (JICA, 2017) highlight the persistent challenges posed by high transport costs in East Africa. The transport costs along the Northern Corridor are notably high, surpassing those of the United States by double and exceeding other African corridors by one-third. Despite some improvements in road infrastructure, rail transport in East Africa remains stagnant and fails to contribute significantly to regional trade. Furthermore, the major ports in East Africa, namely Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania and Mombasa Port in Kenya, face operational efficiency issues. Although efforts are underway to address these problems, such as the initiatives implemented through Trademark East Africa, progress has been slow. These challenges become more pressing considering the projected increase in trade activities, raising concerns about a potential crisis in the medium-term if urgent measures are not taken to establish supportive hard and soft infrastructure (JICA, 2017).
This information emphasizes the critical need to address the existing limitations and inefficiencies in the transportation and logistics sector of East Africa. By focusing on improving both physical infrastructure, such as roads and rail networks, and non-physical components like operational efficiency at ports, East Africa can better facilitate trade and cope with the anticipated growth in commercial activities. Immediate action is required to establish a robust and supportive infrastructure framework that will promote sustainable economic development in the region (JICA, 2017).

Food insecurity
Since the implementation of the Common Market Protocol (CMP), various intergovernmental organizations and policies have been established to facilitate the free movement of goods, particularly agricultural products. However, according to the East Africa Region Report on food market demand and competitiveness in 2021 (EAC, 2021), there are persistent challenges related to the inconsistent and varying capacity for implementing standards prevention and specifications (SPS) processes and procedures at the country level. These challenges directly impact food safety and security within the region (East Africa Region Report, 2021). The report highlights the importance of harmonizing SPS measures in order to ensure consistent standards and prevent potential risks to food safety and security. While the CMP aims to promote the free movement of goods, discrepancies in the implementation of SPS processes and procedures pose significant hurdles. These inconsistencies are particularly evident in the capacity of individual countries to adhere to international standard-setting bodies.

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The variations in SPS implementation across East African countries undermine the region's ability to guarantee uniform standards for food safety and security. This creates an environment of uncertainty and potential risks for consumers, businesses, and the overall market. In order to address these challenges, there is a need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among East African countries to align their SPS processes and procedures with internationally recognized standards. By promoting stronger adherence to international standards and establishing a more cohesive and unified approach to SPS implementation, the East African region can improve food safety and security. This will contribute to the successful implementation of the CMP and further facilitate the free movement of goods, particularly agricultural products, within the region (EAC, 2021)

Variation in standards
The Joint Northern and Central Corridors Performance Report of 2020 highlights the significance of standards in the East African Community (EAC) countries. These standards play a crucial role in facilitating cross-border trade, promoting fair competition, and ensuring consumer protection (NCTTCA, 2020). However, the variation in standards, procedures, and processes within the EAC poses a significant challenge, as participant BV aptly points out: "The variation in standards and technical specifications among the Member States of the EAC makes it difficult for businesses to operate across borders and can lead to trade disputes. Furthermore, non-compliance with standards and quality requirements presents a challenge in building active businesses that can collaborate, form partnerships, and seize market opportunities" (Participant BV, 2022).
This variation in standards creates complexities for businesses operating within the EAC, hindering their ability to navigate crossborder trade effectively. It not only hampers seamless operations but also increases the risk of disputes arising from differences in standards and technical specifications. Consequently, businesses face hurdles in establishing harmonious trade relationships and leveraging market opportunities.
Similarly, participant G draws attention to another significant issue: non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by exporters.
"Despite the existence of the EAC CMP, compliance with numerous authorities in Tanzania and other EAC countries poses challenges for exporters. Obtaining export licenses, adhering to packaging and standards requirements, and complying with various regulations contribute to lengthy documentation processes, often lasting more than two months. This bureaucratic burden is exacerbated by the lack of compliance standards across EAC Member States, which can result in the confiscation of consignments by authorities. Thus, too address these challenges, our company had to allocate resources to employ a dedicated compliance officer, leading to increased business costs" (Participant G, 2022).
These insights shed light on the hurdles faced by businesses operating in the EAC. The variation in standards and technical specifications, along with the burdensome compliance procedures, inhibit the smooth flow of goods and impede business growth. Addressing these challenges necessitates harmonizing standards across the EAC, streamlining compliance procedures, and fostering a supportive business environment that encourages collaboration and market access.

Limited logistics and trade service
The JICA report of the Project for Master Plan on Logistics in Northern Economic Corridor of 2017 further underscores the challenges facing the EAC market protocol, particularly in the realm of logistics and trade services. These services play a pivotal role in supporting the success of the single customs territory and the single market (JICA, 2017). The report emphasizes the crucial importance of enhanced connectivity among the Partner States within the EAC. Seamless connectivity is vital for facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services across borders. By improving infrastructure links, such as roads, railways, and ports, the EAC can establish a robust logistics network that enables efficient trade operations.
Moreover, the report highlights the need for more effective customs procedures to expedite the movement of goods across borders. Streamlining customs processes, reducing bureaucracy, and implementing efficient clearance mechanisms are essential steps towards facilitating swift and hassle-free cross-border trade. By enhancing customs procedures, the EAC can foster an environment that promotes trade facilitation, reduces trade barriers, and stimulates economic growth. Addressing the challenges in logistics and trade services, as identified in the JICA report, is crucial for the successful implementation of the EAC market protocol. By prioritizing investments in infrastructure development and improving customs procedures, the Partner States can create an enabling environment that encourages seamless trade and strengthens regional integration.

Limited access to finance
The East Africa Region Report of food market demand and competitiveness of 2021 sheds light on the numerous challenges facing the EAC community (EAC, 2021). Among these challenges, one of the most significant obstacles is the lack of access to finance and investment capital. This limitation hampers the growth and expansion of businesses and entrepreneurs, thereby impeding the overall economic development of the communities within the EAC.
Addressing this challenge requires a collaborative effort from the EAC Member States, as highlighted by participant N: Participant N emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong economic ecosystem within the EAC. By establishing a supportive network, businesses and entrepreneurs can gain better access to the necessary financial resources that fuel their growth. Moreover, by actively promoting investments within the region, the EAC can attract capital inflows, stimulate economic activity, and generate employment opportunities for its communities. Collaborative efforts to improve access to finance and investment capital are vital for unlocking the untapped potential within the EAC. By fostering an environment that encourages investment and supports the growth of businesses, the EAC can build a resilient economy, empower local entrepreneurs, and uplift the livelihoods of its people.

Conclusions
The study sheds light on the emerging challenges that hinder the effective implementation of the Common Market Protocol (CMP) regarding the free movement of goods in East Africa. The findings emphasize the presence of both tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that impede the smooth implementation of the CMP in EAC Member States. Tariff barriers, such as customs duties, quantitative restrictions, and measures with similar effects, have been identified as key obstacles to the successful realization of the CMP. Additionally, the study highlights the prevalence of NTBs, including quotas, licensing requirements, regulatory hurdles, technical barriers, and corruption, which further restrict trade within the East Africa Common Market Protocol.
Furthermore, the study brings attention to various other NTBs that continue to hinder the free movement of goods within the EAC. These barriers encompass political obstacles, high transportation costs, food insecurity, disparities in standards, limited logistics and trade services, and restricted access to finance. To address these challenges, the study proposes a range of measures that should be implemented to enhance the implementation of the CMP and facilitate the seamless movement of goods within the East African region. These recommendations aim to alleviate the existing barriers and promote a conducive environment for trade and economic integration among the EAC Partner States.
In conclusion, the study affirms that the CMP plays a pivotal role in fostering free movement of goods within the EAC and fostering cooperation among East African countries. It underscores the responsibility of EAC Partner States to eliminate existing tariff and non-tariff restrictions that impede trade and refrain from imposing new ones. By eliminating customs duties, quantitative restrictions, and measures with equivalent effects, the EAC can safeguard the free movement of goods. Additionally, successful implementation of the CMP can create a more competitive environment, leading to increased export revenues for Member States, as highlighted by Aloo (2017). Ultimately, the CMP aims to foster regional integration, harmonize trade policies, and support the development of vital regional infrastructure to facilitate seamless trade flows within the East African region.

Recommendations
The study proposes several measures to enhance the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol, which focuses on the free movement of goods. Firstly, it is crucial for the EAC Partner States to show commitment by harmonizing their customs procedures. This harmonization effort aims to improve trade efficiency and reduce costs. Overall, these measures should facilitate trade and promote the import and export of goods within the EAC region. Secondly, the study highlights that many of the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the East African Community lack transparency and are discriminatory. To address this issue, the study recommends that the Council of Ministers in the region consider and agree upon the principle of eliminating all NTBs that are inconsistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) within the EAC. Thirdly, to overcome the challenges related to the implementation of the EAC common market protocol regarding the free movement of goods from Tanzania within the East African Community, the study suggests further measures: Partner States should focus on simplifying compliance processes for businesses, making it easier for them to adhere to the protocol; enhancing transparency and communication among the states is crucial to ensure a clear understanding of the requirements and procedures; providing increased support to businesses, such as guidance, resources, and capacity-building initiatives, will help them comply with the protocol; regular reviews of the protocol by the EAC can ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in facilitating trade.
By diligently implementing these recommendations, the EAC can create a more seamless and efficient trading environment, fostering economic integration and sustainable growth within the region. These measures will not only facilitate the free movement of goods but also promote harmonization, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the Partner States. With a stronger emphasis on compliance simplification, enhanced transparency, increased support for businesses, and regular protocol reviews, the EAC can pave the way for a thriving marketplace that benefits all member nations. This will contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the East African Community, bringing forth a future characterized by robust economic integration and shared success.

Knowledge contribution and limitation for the study
This study makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of economic integration in the East African region by shedding light on the emerging challenges in implementing the CMP for the free movement of goods within the EAC. The insights gained from this research hold great significance for scholars and individuals interested in this particular field of study. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study.
Firstly, it is worth noting that this research primarily employed a qualitative approach, relying on a sample size of 30 participants. In future studies, adopting a quantitative or mixed-methods approach with a larger and more diverse sample size would greatly enhance our knowledge of the new challenges associated with the implementation of the CMP on free movement of goods in the EAC. Secondly, considering that the EAC CMP encompasses more than just the free movement of goods and services, but also labor, capital, right of residence, and right of establishment, there is ample room for further investigation into these additional pillars.
Exploring the intricacies and interdependencies of these aspects would provide a comprehensive understanding of the common market protocol as a whole. Thirdly, a comparative study could be undertaken to examine the pros and cons of free movement of goods versus fair movement of goods. Such an analysis would shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions and strike a balance between facilitating trade and ensuring fairness in the movement of goods. By addressing these areas will contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and pave the way for informed policies and strategies that foster regional growth, prosperity, and equitable trade within the East African Community.