Gen Z Demos in Kenya - A New Direction for Blockchain
Jul 14, 2024
Key Insights
- Gen Z demonstrations in Kenya highlight the potential of blockchain for crowdfunding, decentralized decision-making (via DAOs), and public service delivery.
- The protests embody the concept of decentralization, suggesting that blockchain technology could facilitate more equitable and transparent political engagement and voting processes.
- Blockchain can improve public service delivery by maintaining immutable records and transparent ledgers, reducing delays and corruption, and ensuring accountability in government operations and expenditures.
Primer
Will the Gen Z demos in Kenya turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the crypto and blockchain sectors?
Kenya experienced nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The protests were characterized by digital activism, and social media was used to organize and coordinate efforts. A glimpse of new demo strategies included using AI-based generation to create images, songs, and videos that amplify the movement’s messages and reach a wider audience. Most interestingly, the “Wall of Shame,” which listed politicians supporting the Finance Bill, was widely circulated on social media, leading to discussions about “recalling” them for fresh elections.
Gen Z protesters identifying as “leaderless, tribeless, and fearless” reflects the parallel concept of “decentralization” in the blockchain. Decentralization transfers control and decision-making from a centralized entity (person, organization, or group) to a distributed network. Platforms like TikTok and X were used to share videos and content of people expressing their frustration with the current regime. The impact of micro-influencers operating without central command should not be underestimated. Content creators with significant followings used their platforms to support the movements and evoke uniform actions in their mini-communities. For example, hashtags such as #OccupyParliament and #Reject erupted.
The results of these demonstrations are beginning to emerge with the President’s recent decision to dismiss his entire cabinet.
Let’s not lose sight of the main objective: these demonstrations aimed to challenge governance. But could they also pave the way for technological advancements?
The Right Direction- The Blockchain Way
Crowdfunding
Protesters organized successful crowdfunding through digital platforms to collect money for medical aid. Over Ksh. 30 million has been raised to cover the medical expenditure of protestors wounded during the large protests. However, there have also been concerns about the disbursement of these monies to the victims.
Using blockchain, every donation and disbursement can be recorded in real-time. Therefore, donors and recipients can track funds with unprecedented clarity. Smart contracts can also automate the release of funds only when predefined conditions are met, such as eligibility verification or submission of medical bills.
For example, Giveth is a user-friendly cryptocurrency donation platform focusing on transparency and community participation. It enables NGOs to collect cash successfully while giving contributors complete visibility into how their donations are utilized. Other platforms include Gitcoin, the Giving Block, Optimism RPGF, and Clr.Fund.
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations
The demonstrations caused grassroots movements to spread from Nairobi’s central business district to villages in Nakuru, Eldoret, Vihiga, Machakos, and Murang’a. Most youth wanted their voices to be heard.
After withdrawing the financial bill, they refused an offer to join a 100-member committee to address concerns from Generation Z demonstrations. Some maintained that they would only engage with the president if he came to X space. In this arrangement, the speakers boldly bypassed the traditional hierarchy and bureaucracy of presidential engagement, addressing him like a fellow civilian.
By leveraging blockchain technology, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) can ensure that every participant has an equal say. A youth-based DAO should facilitate structured yet flexible dialogues with politicians, allowing for proposals, votes, and decisions to be made collectively and transparently. This structure can help address critical issues like job creation, economic opportunities, and workforce readiness. Unfiltered input from the youth on such platforms will enable their concerns and solutions to be acknowledged and acted upon.
Voting
One challenge Kenya’s head of state, William Ruto, has faced is being labeled a “liar” and “thief,” leading many to question the legitimacy of his presidency. The opposition has consistently raised concerns that he manipulated the election to secure his position. In this case, people have lost faith in the efficacy of the country’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Imminent issues raised are its vulnerability to compromise by specific political powers.
Blockchain can eliminate the risk of vote tampering or manipulation, as each vote is securely encrypted and linked to the previous vote, making it nearly impossible to alter the data without detection.
For example, Zug, Switzerland, completed its first municipal blockchain-based test vote, which was conducted using the city’s electronic identification system. The small-scale consultative vote was performed using smartphones.
Public Service Delivery
The Gen Z demos in Kenya uncovered significant issues regarding the service delivery of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers to the public.
For instance, a critical issue was the delayed posting of medical interns by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to health facilities nationwide. More than 1,000 interns have been waiting over a year for a posting. Maintaining an immutable record of all intern applications and their corresponding facilities can help track the posting process and identify any gray areas that may cause delays.
Similarly, Kenyan netizens called then-Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba to disclose the costs and the complete list of names for the delegation accompanying him to the Paris Olympics. This compelled the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) to streamline the delegation and prioritize essential staff, including athletes, coaches, and medical personnel. Blockchain can create a transparent ledger of all expenditures and allocations to verify the authenticity and necessity of each.
A pivotal moment ensues that calls for accountability and creates an opportunity to leverage blockchain technology for greater transparency and systemic reform.
Subsribe To Our Newsletter
Stay in touch with us to get latest news and announcements
