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World Economy
Apr 17, 2026

Over 1,000 Kenyan Workers Laid Off After Meta Contract Termination

AI Summary
More than 1,000 low-paid workers in Kenya have been abruptly laid off by Sama, an outsourcing company contracted by Meta, after the tech giant terminated their contract. The layoffs have been criticized by activists, who argue that they expose the precariousness of tech jobs in the global south.

Over 1,000 workers in Kenya have been laid off by Sama, a company contracted by Meta for content moderation and AI training work. The layoffs came after Meta terminated its contract with Sama, citing that the company did not meet its standards.

The sacked workers, many involved in AI training, were given only six days' notice, according to the Oversight Lab, an organization advocating for fair regulation and deployment of technology across Africa. The lab is advising the workers on legal options.

This move has been criticized by activists, who argue that it exposes the precariousness of tech jobs in the global south. Kauna Malgwi, a former worker at Sama, stated that "this issue is not confined to one company or contract. It shows how the global AI industry is shaped. Power sits with large technology companies. Risk flows downward, affecting outsourced workers, often in the global south, who have the least protection and highest exposure."

Sama has stated that it recognizes the impact on its team and is supporting affected employees with care and respect, highlighting that its teams receive living wages and full benefits.

The layoffs have been described as devastating and shocking by the Oversight Lab, which called for recognition that current strategies are harming youth, hurting the economy, and not advancing Kenya's participation in the AI ecosystem.