Meta drops Sama, leaving 1,100 Kenyan workers facing layoffs

Meta Platforms is ending its contract with Kenyan outsourcing firm Sama, a decision that will leave more than 1,100 people out of work and reshape how the company manages content moderation in Africa. 

The move marks a shift for the Facebook owner as it leans more on artificial intelligence to police harmful content, reducing its reliance on large teams of human reviewers.

It also brings fresh attention to the role Kenya has played in supporting global tech operations. 

For years, Sama’s Nairobi-based workforce has reviewed posts flagged for violence, hate speech and misinformation across sub-Saharan Africa.

The work has been essential but difficult, often requiring moderators to process disturbing material for hours each day. 

Now, as the contract comes to an end, the layoffs highlight both the risks tied to outsourcing and the growing use of automation in the tech industry.

A partnership under pressure 

Meta said it is ending the relationship because Sama did not meet its standards, adding that future moderation will rely more on artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. 

The partnership has faced scrutiny in recent years.

In 2023, nearly 200 former moderators filed a lawsuit alleging unfair dismissal, while earlier complaints raised concerns about pay, working hours and exposure to harmful content.

Workers raise concerns over conditions 

Some current and former workers say the job has taken a toll on their mental health, citing repeated exposure to graphic images and videos.

They have called for better pay and stronger protections to reflect the nature of the work. 

A separate complaint filed in 2022 by a former South Africa-based employee raised similar concerns, adding to pressure on both companies to address working conditions across their operations.

Sama defends its record 

Sama has pushed back against the allegations, saying it provides a living wage, full benefits and access to counseling services for its employees. 

Even so, the end of the contract leaves uncertainty for affected workers and raises broader questions about the future of content moderation jobs in Africa, as technology companies continue to shift toward AI-driven systems.