Enhancing data integrity in governance of collaborative research: Blockchain, regulatory compliance, and challenges in Kenya and Africa

Abstract

The increasing reliance on data-intensive collaborative research has intensified concerns regarding data integrity, governance, and regulatory compliance, particularly in multi-institutional and cross-border environments. This study critically examines how blockchain technology can enhance data integrity within collaborative research governance, with a focus on Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and comparative African contexts. A qualitative systematic review methodology was employed, drawing on peer-reviewed journal articles (2022–2025) sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing blockchain, data governance, and regulatory compliance in research and data-intensive environments. Findings indicate that key challenges to data integrity include inconsistent data validation, fragmented data systems, jurisdictional regulatory conflicts, and weak enforcement of governance frameworks. While blockchain presents opportunities through immutability, traceability, and decentralized control, its application introduces tensions with legal frameworks such as the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019) and the General Data Protection Regulation, particularly regarding the right to erasure. Evidence from Kenyan and broader African studies demonstrates that permissioned blockchain systems, combined with smart contracts, can enhance auditability, enforce compliance, and mitigate disputes over data ownership in collaborative research. The study concludes that blockchain is not a standalone solution but a complementary governance tool that must be integrated with robust legal, institutional, and technical frameworks. It recommends the development of standardized data governance protocols, regulatory harmonization across jurisdictions, and capacity building within research institutions to ensure sustainable adoption