A Comparative Study on Contribution of Governance on Economic Growth in the East African Community Countries

This study sought to explore the relationship between good governance and economic growth among the East Africa Community (EAC) countries. The study utilized panel data to analyse six major World Bank governance indicators namely- Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law and Control of Corruption effect on economic growth in the respective country and region for the period 1999-2013. The Random effect model (REM) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation techniques were employed for comparative analysis. The study showed that among the governance indicators, political stability, quality regulatory and control of corruption were significant. The first two indices were negatively related to economic growth rate while the latter was positively related to economic growth rate. From the OLS models, voice and accountability had a significant effect on economic growth rate in Kenya and Uganda. The quality of regulation had significant effect in Kenya and Tanzania while rule of law was found to be significant only in Kenya. The study suggests that in order to advance the economic performance in EAC countries, the EAC states need to invest in more effective regulation on both public and private institutions to enhance social, political and sustainable economic interactions. Similarly, the government needs to encourage national cohesion and peaceful co-existence that would foster political stability and reduce violence. By investing in good governance through establishment of key institutions of governance are likely to spur economic growth.