UN advises Kenya to use blockchain against corruption

As the years go by, blockchain technology continues to gain more popularity among countries and institutions. Although it has been going through a lot of bumps during the past few years, it is, however, being adopted in many developing countries, despite their reluctance to do so. Its characteristics of transparency and accountability are an asset to many countries and developing countries such as Kenya with very high levels of corruption could use this is. This was also confirmed by the UN as they advised Kenya to use blockchain to get rid of its corrupt system. Thanks to blockchain technology, many countries have experienced transparency and accountability in several aspects of their administrations, and this is what Kenya needs to do.

A UN advisor noted that billions of dollars in state funds could be saved through the use of blockchain technology as corruption will be reduced through this system. The regional anti-corruption advisor at the UN’s Drugs and Crime office, David Robinson, said that blockchain technology will play a vital role in getting rid of the highly corrupt Kenyan government and will rid them of other economic crimes. 

As we all know, blockchain technology provides high levels of accountability and transparency in its transactions and operation, and this is the main reason why it is strongly recommended by Robinson. According to media outlets, he also says that since its transactions can be easily traced, the public registries will be protected from forgery and fraud. Not only does he recommend this for Kenya, but he also says that because blockchain technology is very effective in getting rid of corruption through transparency and traceability, many countries worldwide employ the services of the system to prevent corruption and also the protection of public registries from tampering and fraud.

One thing about blockchain that Robinson also agrees with, is its trustworthiness. Since corruption is a breach of public trust, the use of blockchain in Kenya will restore that trust. One vital asset that became key for transactions between strangers and building government confidence and online trust is blockchain. When it comes to implementing these things, all the Kenyan government has to do is take a look at how the private sectors are doing it in their country. For example, online casinos in Kenya, which are more or less illegal, are thriving on this technology as they utilize cryptos for avoiding surveillance. Implementation of blockchain technology can help to weed out such cases of corruption and law avoidance.

In Kenya, a third of the state budget is lost to corruption every single year because they lack the appropriate technological equipment for fighting graft. Since the country was unable to track corruption cases, they lost about $6 billion every year. And this keeps sinking the country deeper into budget deficits.

Many countries worldwide are using blockchain and crypto to ensure transparency to fight corruption. A report was released by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September 2020 explaining how blockchain can be used to combat corruption. Also, reports state that Kazakhstan is looking into ways through which they can incorporate blockchain in their anti-corruption services and also how a national digital currency could be used to fight corruption in the country. 

The Kenyan government is heeding the UN advisor’s recommendation by setting up a blockchain taskforce. And many Kenyans are already applying to be part of the task force. And it is already being tested by some government departments and banks in Kenya. It is established to create foolproof land registers that are correct, digital, and would prevent unauthorized access and multiple sales.