Regional derailment: the saga of the East African Railways

Abstract

ABSTRACTDuring the colonial period of East Africa, railways represented the pre-eminence of colonial influence, commerce and unity within the region. The railways were not just the physical link that connected territories, but also created their own social and economic structures to support them that defined regional authority. Post-colonial East African leaders attempted to capitalize on this existing structure to build on regional bonds. However, the unity that was enforced during the colonial period had become untenable, as national interests within each member state prevented the strengthening of regional ties. This was reflected within one institution: East African Railways. The joys of independence and regional unity soon ran up against the economic and political difficulties between member states of the East African Community (EAC). The latent inequalities between member states could not be overcome and regional interests gave way to nationalistic ones. Within a decade after its founding, the East African Railways had collapsed along with the broader EAC. Decades later, a new EAC has arisen, and with it plans to expand the existing East African Railway network. Will the railways now become a symbol for regional unity or once again become a chess piece in promoting member state's national interests?