The event was established as the East African Championships in 1955, building upon of international athletics matches between Kenya and Uganda (first held in 1934), which had themselves expanded to include Tanganyika in 1952.

Zambia became the first host outside of the founding three nations shortly after, with the 1971 championships being held in its capital Lusaka.

[1] The championships had its final edition in 1990, with the absence of founding nation Kenya indicating the lack of support for its continuation.

Combined events featured at the 1972 edition, with Uganda's Alex Ochen taking the honours in the men's decathlon and his compatriot Budesia Nyakecho doing so in the women's pentathlon.

Men's 20 kilometres race walks were held between 1975 and 1981, with Ethiopians Hunde Ture (1975, 1979) and Shemsu Hassan (1981) winning these events.