In a devastating turn of events, over 1,000 low-paid employees in Kenya have lost their jobs after Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, abruptly severed ties with its outsourcing partner, Sama. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from activists who argue that it underscores the precarious nature of tech employment in the Global South, where workers are often left vulnerable and exposed to the whims of multinational corporations.
The Fallout from Meta’s Contract Termination
Sama, a Nairobi-based company that provided content moderation and artificial intelligence training services to Meta, announced the layoffs on Thursday, following the termination of their contract last month. Reports had emerged indicating that some Kenyan employees were required to review sensitive and private footage recorded by Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, including scenes of individuals in compromising situations.
The workers, primarily engaged in data annotation and AI training, were given a mere six days’ notice before their termination, a move described by the Oversight Lab—an organisation advocating for ethical tech practices in Africa—as shocking and detrimental. The group is now offering legal advice to the affected employees, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in the industry.
A Pattern of Neglect and Abuse
This is not the first time Sama has faced scrutiny. In 2024, a civil lawsuit was filed alleging that a previous round of mass layoffs had left 140 workers suffering from severe mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, due to the distressing content they were forced to view. The latest incident reveals a troubling pattern in the treatment of workers in the tech sector, particularly in regions where labour protections are minimal.
In response to the allegations surrounding the inappropriate content viewed by workers, Meta stated that “photos and videos are private to users” and that human oversight is essential for improving AI performance—an assertion that has now cost many their livelihoods. Mark Zuckerberg’s company has also claimed that it ended its relationship with Sama due to inadequate standards, a statement that raises questions about accountability and ethical responsibility in the outsourcing of sensitive jobs.
Voices from the Ground
Sama has expressed regret over the impact of the layoffs, emphasising its commitment to supporting affected employees with “care and respect.” The company insists it is a responsible corporate entity, providing competitive wages, comprehensive healthcare, and wellness resources to its workforce. However, the Oversight Lab has condemned the layoffs as catastrophic, calling for an urgent reevaluation of strategies that seemingly harm the youth and economy of Kenya while failing to integrate the nation into the burgeoning AI landscape.
Former Sama employee Kauna Malgwi articulated the broader implications of this issue, asserting that it is indicative of a systemic problem within the global AI industry. “Power sits with large technology companies,” she remarked, “while the risks and burdens fall on outsourced workers in the Global South, who often lack protections and face the highest levels of exposure.”
Why it Matters
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the inherent fragility within the modern tech workforce, particularly in developing regions. As layoffs continue to mount and the pressure on workers intensifies, it becomes increasingly clear that the global tech industry must confront its ethical obligations. The treatment of outsourced workers not only reflects on the companies involved but also raises critical questions about the future of work in an increasingly automated world. The fate of these individuals is not just a local issue; it is emblematic of the larger, often unseen struggles faced by millions in the gig economy worldwide.
