By Isaac Mwangi
isaacmmwangi@gmail.com
The latest Index of Economic Freedom has given East Africans a lot to think about. Rwanda, once seen as a small player in the region, has now overtaken Kenya to become the second most economically free country in the EAC. This isn’t just about numbers on a chart—it shows that serious reforms and good leadership can truly change a country’s future.
Rwanda scored 54.8, the same as Kenya, but ranked higher because of its stronger progress over time. By moving up 15 places globally to number 120, Rwanda is proving that fighting corruption, improving governance, and managing public funds properly actually works.
It’s even more impressive when you think about Kenya’s long-standing reputation as East Africa’s economic powerhouse. Rwanda’s steady climb reminds us that no foundations of fairness are shaky.
Rwanda’s rise should also make the whole EAC rethink its ideas about leadership. For too long, the spotlight has mainly been on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. But now it’s clear: smaller countries with strong willpower can set the pace, too. Tanzania, leading the region with a score of 59.3, is another example. The future will belong to the nations that invest in good governance, make it easy to do business, and build strong institutions.
The EAC must have an honest conversation about where it is heading. If member countries are moving at different speeds, true regional integration will be hard to achieve. Setting common standards, especially around how justice is served, how businesses are regulated and how money is handled, needs to be a top priority.
Finally, countries like Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan must realise that without bold and brave economic reforms, they risk being left even further behind. Again, all countries in the region must focus not just on economic reforms, but also political reforms and respect for human rights; this is an area where no East African country currently deserves to be commended.
Kenya—and indeed, all EAC members—must pay attention to the signs. The race for economic leadership in EAC is far from over, but it will reward only those who dare to reform.
