The East African Community (EAC), comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda has been urged to ensure full integration for inclusive growth in the region.
Addressing East African Trade Union Confederation Youth Camp in Kisumu on Monday, Central Organization of Trade Union (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the integration is still very weak.
Atwoli said while progress towards regional integration has been significant, the agenda is far from finished, pointing at many barriers.
“We need free movement of people, goods and other services within East African countries. These barriers should be removed,” Atwoli said.
He challenged Tanzania to remain optimistic and embrace the integration process to allow EAC to move in one direction.
Atwoli said EAC was strong before it went down in 1977.
He said the community was stronger in the past, noting that the new process started in the year 2000 and must ensure full integration to spur growth within the member states.
The Cotu boss said no East African citizen should be denied work in the member states and opposed the quota system within the region.
He said the system is discriminating and violates the rights of young people seeking employment opportunities within the region.
“This quota system should be scrapped to allow young people to move freely and look for jobs anywhere they can find them within the region,” he said.