More than 1,100 workers in Kenya are at risk of losing their jobs after Meta terminated its content moderation contract with outsourcing firm Sama, marking a major shift in how the tech giant manages online content.
Sama confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the decision will significantly impact its workforce, many of whom have been engaged in moderating content for Facebook across sub-Saharan Africa since 2019.
Shift toward AI-driven moderation
Meta said the contract was discontinued after Sama failed to meet its evolving standards, adding that future content moderation efforts will increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
The move underscores a broader industry transition away from human moderators toward automated solutions, particularly as platforms scale and seek cost efficiencies.
Years of controversy and legal battles
The partnership between Meta and Sama has faced sustained criticism over alleged poor working conditions and labour practices.
In 2023, nearly 200 former moderators filed a lawsuit against Sama, accusing the company of unfair dismissal and exposing workers to inhumane conditions, including irregular pay and what they described as forced labour.
A separate complaint had earlier been lodged in 2022 by a former Sama employee in South Africa.
Workers have also raised concerns about the psychological toll of the job, citing prolonged exposure to graphic and disturbing content, including violence and hate speech. Many have called for compensation, arguing that wages did not reflect the risks associated with the role.
Sama, Meta respond to allegations
Sama has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that it provides employees with competitive wages, full benefits, and access to professional counselling services.
Meta, for its part, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high operational standards across its global partnerships, though it did not provide further details on the specific shortcomings that led to the contract termination.
Economic and social impact
The layoffs are expected to have a significant impact on Kenya’s growing outsourcing and digital services sector, which has positioned itself as a hub for tech-enabled jobs in Africa.
Analysts say the development raises fresh questions about job security in the gig and outsourcing economy, particularly as automation continues to reshape the future of work.
For affected workers, the end of the contract signals not just job losses, but also the uncertain future of a sector increasingly caught between human labour and advancing AI technologies.
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