Kenyan developers push blockchain beyond Bitcoin into everyday business
Kenya’s blockchain ecosystem is increasingly seeking to redefine itself beyond cryptocurrency trading, with developers turning their attention to practical applications that address business and social challenges across multiple sectors.
The shift is expected to take centre stage at this year’s ETHSafari, a blockchain gathering marking its fifth anniversary, as developers, founders, researchers and investors showcase how blockchain technology is being applied beyond digital currencies.
While blockchain has largely been associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, industry players say the technology is finding broader use in areas including digital identity, land records, agriculture, supply chains, carbon credits and payments.
The trend reflects a growing effort by Kenyan developers to demonstrate blockchain’s value in solving real-world problems rather than focusing solely on speculative crypto investments.
“Five years after the first Safari, the mission remains the same: to connect Africa with the world and ensure the continent’s blockchain story is seen, heard and shaped by the people building it,” the organisers said in a statement
ETHSafari was established five years ago after African Web3 community leaders observed that despite the continent’s rapidly expanding blockchain ecosystem, African innovations and developers were largely absent from global conversations about the technology.
The initiative has since evolved into a platform aimed at connecting African blockchain communities with international organisations while providing local developers with opportunities to build, collaborate and attract global attention.
This year’s programme begins in Nairobi, where participants will take part in workshops, networking sessions and the ETHSafari Hackathon.
The hackathon is designed to give developers an opportunity to build blockchain-based solutions, receive mentorship and compete for prizes.
Organisers say the event is intended to encourage the development of applications that extend blockchain’s use cases beyond cryptocurrency trading and into sectors with wider commercial and social relevance.
Participants will later travel aboard the Standard Gauge Railway through Tsavo National Park on what organisers call the “BlockTrain,” an initiative designed to foster collaboration and partnerships outside conventional conference settings before the event concludes in Kilifi.
The conference is expected to bring together developers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and blockchain communities from across Africa and abroad.
Over the past five years, ETHSafari has attracted support from a broad range of global blockchain organisations, including the Ethereum Foundation, DFINITY Foundation, Polkadot, Celo, Optimism, Filecoin Foundation, Algorand Foundation, NEAR Protocol, Coinbase, StarkWare, Base and ETHGlobal, alongside companies such as Visa and Brave Browser.
The participation of international organisations reflects growing interest in Africa’s blockchain ecosystem and the continent’s developer community.
This year’s event, themed “The Fifth Safari,” will run from September 4 to 13 and will feature workshops, networking sessions, the hackathon, the BlockTrain journey and the main conference in Kilifi.
