EAC states to open up labour markets as part of protocol

Nonetheless, the common market has the right to limit movement of labour or otherwise on the basis of public policy, public security or public health and must appropriately notify partner states.

Elijah Achoch who works with a local labour think-tank however says there is a mutual perception that foreign nationals will take jobs belonging to locals.

Kenyans are viewed as highly skilled hence the fear of swamping other countries.

In his view, xenophobia may be experienced in the initial stages of the process, but countries need to have a ready evacuation plan for their citizens.

The youth also have reason to celebrate signing of the protocol.

“The summit received a report on the development of a regional youth employment programme and adopted the declaration on employment creation and poverty reduction with a special focus on youth,” said the communiqué of the 11th ordinary summit of EAC heads of state last week.

A study released one week before the signing of the EAC protocol, shows that there is low awareness of what the East African Community really means to the ordinary citizen.

“The process has been politically driven. The leaders have done their part, what now remains is a lot of sensitisation of the man on the street,” said Mr Achoch.