By Nyang’au Araka

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has issued a reminder to its Partner States against rolling back on commitments made under the EAC Common Market Protocol.

The warning comes amid rising concerns about emerging restrictions that threaten the regional integration agenda.

In a press release from its headquarters in Arusha, the EAC Secretariat emphasized that any unilateral measures that hinder the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across borders contravene the provisions of the Protocol signed by Partner States.

“Partner States have committed to fostering regional integration by removing barriers to trade, services, and investment,” said Veronica M. Nduva, Secretary General of the EAC.

“Any move to reintroduce restrictions—especially on sectors already liberalized—is a breach of that commitment.”

The Secretariat noted that under Annex V of the EAC Common Market Schedule of Commitment, countries had agreed not to reverse or restrict liberalized trades and services.

These obligations were reaffirmed by the Attorneys General of Partner States through the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Matters in November 2024.

The warning comes amid growing reports of some EAC Partner States allegedly introducing new trade and regulatory restrictions, sparking concern among regional businesses and investors who rely on the seamless operation of the Common Market.

“This is not just about policy. It’s about trust and predictability,” said a senior official at the EAC Secretariat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“When a country walks back on agreed commitments, it not only disrupts trade but also shakes investor confidence in the region as a whole.”

The Secretariat has launched an analysis to assess the extent to which Partner States are complying with their obligations under the Protocol.

Any inconsistencies or violations will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment.

“We are currently analyzing the measures being implemented across the region and will report any deviations,” said Nduva.

“Our goal is not to police, but to protect the integrity of our single market.”

The EAC Common Market Protocol, which came into force in 2010, is one of the building blocks of the region’s integration efforts.

It guarantees the free movement of persons, labor, goods, services, and capital among Partner States: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Regional integration cannot thrive on selective adherence to commitments,” said Nduva.

“We urge all Partner States to respect the rules they have signed up to, for the benefit of our people and economies.”

Meanwhile, Kenya has officially voiced concern over Tanzania’s new Business Licensing Order, 2025, citing it as a threat to regional integration the EAC.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development, the government noted that the directive restricts non-citizens from engaging in 15 categories of business activities in Tanzania, imposing penalties such as fines of over 10 million Tanzanian shillings, imprisonment of up to six months, and the revocation of visas and residence permits.

“This Order is inconsistent with key provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol, particularly Articles 13(1), 13(3a), 13(5), 13(8) and 13(9),” stated Dr. Caroline W. Karugu, Principal Secretary of the State Department for East African Community Affairs.

She added that the directive “undermines the core objectives of regional economic integration.”

Dr. Karugu further disclosed that Kenya has formally written to the EAC Secretariat, urging Tanzania to review the licensing order to ensure it complies with the EAC Treaty and Community laws.

Behind the scenes, Kenyan officials expressed concern that the move could erode hard-won progress in cross-border commerce and shared economic growth.

A senior official familiar with the matter said that such unilateral measures risk destabilizing the spirit of free movement and cooperation that defines the EAC.

Licensing authorities in Tanzania have been directed not to issue or renew licenses for non-citizens operating in the affected sectors, sparking fears among Kenyan traders and investors about growing protectionism in the region.