The EAC existed between 1967 and 1977 and within a decade (10 years) it achieved the
following:-
- The body established a common market in the region that in turn promoted regional
economic development. - The EAC established common services in the region. Tanzania became the headquarters of the harbors cooperation in Dar –es – Salaam and headquarters of community at Arusha, Uganda the East African Posts and telecommunications and EADB in Kampala,
Kenya had the East African Airways and railways in Nairobi hence decentralization
promoted. - The body ensured and promoted regional unity and cooperation among member states. This guaranteed uniform problem solving in East Africa than what existed in the East African federation.
- Diplomatic relations were equally promoted in the region member states occasionally met to address their regional problems.
- The body promoted employment opportunities in the corporations set up like the railway, EADB, East African harbors, the EALA, the EAA that raised the standard of living of the people.
- The EAC harmonized trade and commerce in its initial stages. This was done through the reduction of the trade barriers among the three states.
- The EAC promoted industrialization in the region. These included the circle and plain aluminium sheets, radio assembly and manufactures of motor – vehicle tyres and tubes in Tanzania, Kenya produced bulbs. These generated local revenue and employment provision.
- The body established the East African Development Bank (EADB) that promoted
balanced development. The bank extended loans to member states for setting up projects, provided technical assistance and solicited for financial support from international organizations.
- The EAC promoted the easy mobility of East African citizens and goods. The
corporations established encouraged people to work freely in the three countries e.g. the Railways, Airways, industries, EAA, the Bank among others.
- The community promoted the spirit of Pan African. The Movement advocated for
regional integrity and this was enshrined in EAC and problems were uniformly solved. - The EAC opened room for the incorporation and inclusion of other states to broaden its market like Malawi, Burundi and Rwanda
- The EAC promoted specialization among member states. This was reflected in the
projects set up like the industries of fertilizers in Uganda, Electric bulbs in Kenya
Airways in Kenya and even the agriculturally based projects e.g. sisal for Tanzania,
pyrethrum in Kenya and coffee in Uganda. - The EAC linked the three countries to the world economic systems or organizations.
These included E.E.C, U.N.O for purposes of comparison and effective implementation and realization of the set objectives.
- The body established infrastructure in the region these included the East African
railways, Airlines, roads to promote development as precursors to harness the resources. - The body also streamlined education in the region that increased the literacy rate.
Regional universities were set up e.g. Makerere University in Uganda, Dar – es – Salaam University and Kenyatta University in Kenya. This allowed all people in the region to acquire education in all without restrictions. Also examination boards e.g. EAEC to regulate performance. - The EAC tried to harmonize the currency exchange in the region and all were using the shillings. The level of exchange was checked in the initial stages that limited the
conflicts. - The body established the East African court of appeal and councils of tribunals. These helped to check on the excesses of the leaders and promote the proper operation of the organization. (pertaining industrial disputes related to staff)
- The body too promoted the setting up of the East African legislative Assembly. This was composed of the chairperson, the general secretary, ministers from the partner states.
- Research was promoted in East Africa through the EAC. This was a branch of the council of tribunals that was in charge of finance, communications, common market and planning and coordinated networks from Arusha.
- The body tried to unify the fiscal policy in East Africa. This was done by the uniform
customs duties and regulations between the member states.
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