David Kemei, the Director-General of Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), has taken up a new role in East Africa’s economic integration. He has been appointed interim chairperson of the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) Board and confirmed as Commissioner for a four-year term.

This was announced during a swearing-in ceremony in Arusha, Tanzania and is a major step in strengthening regional competition enforcement and consumer protection across EAC member states.

Fair Trade Across Borders

CAK described Kemei’s appointment as a big boost for cross-border cooperation in trade regulation and consumer rights. His leadership is expected to enhance enforcement of fair competition practices among the East African Community (EAC) countries.

“Effective competition law enforcement is key to economic growth, investments and consumer protection at national and regional level,” said Kemei during the ceremony.

Solving Challenges Through Dialogue

While acknowledging regional integration challenges, Kemei emphasized the need for solution-oriented dialogue among partner states.

“Regional integration has its own challenges. That’s why these must be addressed through collaborative solution-oriented dialogue among key administrative stakeholders from partner states,” he noted.

His remarks reflect a vision of inclusive policy making that balances economic development with regional cooperation.

What Is EACCA?

The East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) is a regional body established under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and guided by the EAC Competition Act, 2006. Its core objectives are:

  • Promote fair competition in cross-border trade

  • Protect consumers from exploitative market practices

  • Facilitate the free flow of goods and services across national borders

  • Investigate cross-border anti-competitive behavior

  • Review mergers and acquisitions with regional impact

Kemei’s Mandate: Regulation for Integration

As Chair and Commissioner, Kemei will oversee a broad portfolio to boost regional competitiveness and simplify the investment landscape. His tasks include:

  • Harmonise competition laws across EAC countries

  • Align merger regulations to create a single investment environment

  • Conduct joint investigations in cases of market abuse affecting multiple countries

  • Build regulatory capacity and develop analytical frameworks for market surveillance

  • Strengthen partnerships through existing MoUs with Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania

What This Means for East Africa

With Kemei at the helm of EACCA, expect:

  • Better consumer protection

  • Increased investor confidence across EAC countries

  • Clearer regulations

  • Integrated systems for cross-border business