Abstract:
The East African Community (EAC) allows its signatories to pursue and sign trade deals with nations outside the CU as long as the trade agreement does not violate the EAC Treaty. The EAC is one of eight regional groups that comprise the African Continental Free Trade Agreement's foundation (AfCFTA). All eyes are on the continent at the moment, as the race for Africa is reignited. This is why it is critical to establish a framework that will serve as the foundation for future discussions between AfCFTA partner states and third nations. Whereas ties within the EAC are already fragile, Kenya proceeded to negotiate an Economic Trade Agreement (EPA) with the United Kingdom at the expense of other EAC member states, a move criticised by both the African Union and other EAC members. The purpose of this study is to examine the legal framework that governs EAC partner state trade relations with countries that are not members of the EAC in order to identify any gaps in the existing laws. Additionally, this research investigates the provisions of the Kenya-UK agreement in order to determine the agreement's impact on the EAC. Finally, proposals are offered to enhance the community's current position, which is adapted to EAC's status as a customs union. The research's fundamental finding is that, while the community has regulations governing member states' trade dealings with third nations, there are loopholes in the legislation that must be remedied as soon as possible to avoid another member state from exploiting the lacuna.
