One of the major challenges facing the region is the insecurity posed by the Somalia militia group Al Shabaab. That three member states — Kenya, Uganda and Burundi — are engaged in Somalia is proof that Al Shabaab is a regional problem.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have tasted the destructive ways of this group and their affiliates through suicide bombings and grenade attacks. EAC Deputy Secretary General Beatrice Kiraso has already warned that if not dealt with, the militia threats would greatly undermine the progress of EAC integration.
Thus, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda need support from the entire region to destroy this group that is threatening business and trade in the region. Al-Shabaab is now shifting its strategy to soft targets such as kidnapping of tourists.
The second major threat to trade in the region is piracy along the Indian Ocean. Piracy has increased the cost of shipping in the region and the Kenyan economy, in particular, has borne the brunt of piracy. The Kenya Shippers Council estimates show that the crime increases the cost of imports by $23.8 million and exports by $9.8 million per month. These costs are then passed on to consumers.
Apart from piracy, the EAC bloc is also vulnerable
to new and emerging security challenges posed by climate change and its
negative impact on food security and stability in the region.
Other challenges include human and illicit drug trafficking, water
scarcity and increasing poverty and unemployment particularly among the
youth. EAC members must give priority to these issues in 2012 for
regional integration to remain on course.