Blockchain technology and supply chain performance in the maritime logistics industry, Kenya

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the effect of blockchain technology on supply chain performance in the Maritime Logistics Industry, Kenya. The focus is on examining how specific constructs of blockchain technology namely smart contracts, distributed ledger technology (DLT), consensus mechanisms, and cryptographic security affect supply chain performance in this sector. The general objective is to evaluate the effect of blockchain technology on supply chain performance, while the specific objectives include: analyzing the effect of smart contracts, assessing the effect of DLT, examining the effect of consensus mechanisms, and evaluating the effect of cryptographic security on supply chain performance in the Maritime Logistics Industry, Kenya. This study was grounded in four interrelated theoretical perspectives: The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), Hybrid Supply Chain Theory (HSCT), and Stakeholder Theory. The target population for the study did census of 148 targeted professionals across four strata including Customs & Compliance Officers (49), Operations/Freight Managers (37), IT Managers (34), and Supply Chain/Logistics Managers (28). A quantitative research design will be employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect data from selected maritime logistics firms operating in Mombasa and Nairobi. Regression analysis will be used to determine the statistical relationship between the identified blockchain constructs and supply chain performance. The findings revealed that Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology, Consensus Mechanisms and Cryptographic Security all had significant positive correlations with supply chain performance. Regression analysis established that the four independent variables jointly explained 52.8% of the variation in supply chain performance. The regression coefficients further showed that Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology, Consensus Mechanisms and Cryptographic Security significantly and positively influence supply chain performance. The study concludes that the adoption of blockchain technologies has a substantial effect on improving efficiency, transparency, and security in maritime logistics supply chains. The study recommends increased investment in blockchain infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, and supportive regulatory frameworks to enhance adoption and impact. Further studies should explore cross-industry comparisons, cost–benefit analyses, longitudinal adoption effects, and the integration of blockchain with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Thing.