THE five East African Community Heads of State on Friday signed the Common Market Protocol, which allows free movement of people, goods and capital across the member states. The protocol becomes effective on July 1, 2010 after ratification by member countries.

This is the most significant agreement for East Africans as it allows free travel to the member countries.

The ultimate aim of the integration should be to improve the standard of living of the East Africans, through accelerated trade and investments. Already the signing of the Customs Union has led to the dismantling of the various trade barriers.

As we wait for a single currency, which is the next stage, and eventually a political federation, there is need for confidence building to remove the mistrust and suspicion which continues to stifle the progress of some programmes.

There are fears to the integration progress such as ceding sovereignty and some powers by the federating states and the economic strength of some members like Kenya.

Another thorny issue is the proposed political federation. While the national consultations in 2004 showed that there was overwhelming support for fast-tracking of political federation from Uganda and Kenya, Tanzanians rejected it. Early this year, Tanzania, again, objected to an earlier draft that included a provision on land ownership that it had said would conflict with its legal system.

All these issues can be addressed if the leaders agree on how to share costs and benefits of the integration. They also need to look at the management of the various services and how the civil society can be involved in the running of the community.

Challenges also remain on the peace and security front as some member states still have internal conflicts and lack democracy.

Now that the integration process has moved a step forward, people should be sensitised on the benefits of the integration. East Africans need a people driven integration which will lead to a stable and secure region.