TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, POLITICAL FEDERATIONS AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY

The discourse on regional integration in East Africa is shaped by contrasting approaches advocated by Kwame Nkrumah and the functionalist school of thought. This thesis explores the historical roots of East African integration, tracing it to the late nineteenth century and examining factors leading to the dissolution and re-establishment of the East African Community (EAC) in 1999. The EAC's phased integration process aims to enhance regional cooperation amidst global changes. Applying a mixed methodology approach, this study finds that efficient infrastructure, particularly transport, is crucial for the EAC's competitiveness, facilitating trade and resource utilization. Conversely, political federation quest is considered complex, and may take long to attain. The study underscores the importance of transport infrastructure in facilitating EAC regional integration, thus recommending prioritizing infrastructure development to enhance integration efforts. Recommendations include realigning the East African Development Bank and promoting public engagement. Future studies should conduct comparative analyses for evidence-based policymaking.