Kenya is on a mission to turbocharge trade and job creation across East Africa, but there’s a catch: the region’s market protocols are stuck in slow motion. And this is the part most people miss—despite the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol being in place since 2010, member countries still operate as separate economic islands, hindered by protectionism and non-tariff barriers. This week, Kenya is taking center stage at the 25th EAC MSME Expo in Nairobi, not just to showcase its entrepreneurial spirit but to rally its neighbors into finally putting the protocol into action. But here’s where it gets controversial: Tanzania’s recent ban on foreigners trading in 15 key services, including micro and small industries, has thrown a wrench in the works, even if bilateral talks with Kenya have softened the blow. Meanwhile, Kenya and Uganda’s August agreement to eliminate trade barriers sounds promising, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. As Kenya’s Cooperatives and MSMEs Development CS, Wycliffe Oparanya, puts it, this expo is a ‘call to action’ for EAC states to stop dragging their feet. With the International Trade Centre (ITC) launching its regional hub in Nairobi, Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s trade gateway, but its success hinges on whether its neighbors are willing to play ball. The 10-day event, kicking off today and featuring President William Ruto’s keynote on November 10, isn’t just about handshakes and speeches—it’s about tackling the hard questions. Why, after 14 years, is the EAC market still fragmented? And what will it take for member states to truly embrace a unified economic vision? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is protectionism a necessary evil in safeguarding local economies, or is it the biggest roadblock to East Africa’s economic integration? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
