Nairobi, Kenya, April 17, 2026
AI data annotation firm Sama, formerly known as Samasource, has announced plans to lay off more than 1,100 employees in Nairobi following the termination of a major contract with Meta.
The layoffs, which affect 1,108 workers, mark one of the most significant job cuts in Kenya’s growing artificial intelligence outsourcing sector.
Why the Layoffs Are Happening
According to the company, the decision comes after Meta ended its content moderation and data annotation agreement with Sama—a contract that had been a key source of business.
This agreement involved reviewing and labeling large volumes of online content to train AI systems, including moderation tools used across Meta’s platforms.
With the contract now terminated, Sama says it has been forced to restructure its workforce in Nairobi.
Timeline and Legal Compliance
The company has issued formal notices to affected employees and confirmed that the layoffs are expected to be completed by the end of April 2026, in compliance with Kenyan labor laws.
These regulations require advance notice and due process for large-scale workforce reductions.
Background: Ongoing Controversies and Legal Disputes
The Sama-Meta partnership has been under scrutiny in recent years. Between 2022 and 2023, content moderators filed lawsuits alleging:
- Poor working conditions
- Exposure to disturbing online content
- Low wages
These allegations drew global attention to the human cost behind AI training and content moderation systems, particularly in outsourcing hubs like Kenya.
While both companies have responded to the claims in the past, the controversy has continued to shape discussions around ethical AI practices.
Impact on Kenya’s AI and Tech Workforce
The layoffs are a significant blow to Nairobi’s reputation as a rising hub for AI outsourcing and digital services.
Industry analysts say the move could:
- Raise concerns about job stability in AI contract-based roles
- Highlight dependence on large global tech clients
- Trigger renewed debate on labor protections in the digital economy
For many workers, these roles provided entry into the global tech ecosystem, making the sudden job losses particularly impactful.
Sama’s Future Plans
Despite the layoffs, Sama has stated that it will continue operations and shift focus toward other sectors, including:
- Autonomous vehicles
- E-commerce
- Healthcare AI solutions
The company emphasized that it remains committed to providing AI data services, even as it transitions away from its reliance on Meta.
Broader Industry Implications
The development reflects a larger trend in the AI industry, where companies increasingly:
- Optimize costs
- Shift vendor partnerships
- Automate processes
At the same time, it raises critical questions about the sustainability of outsourcing models that depend heavily on contracts with major tech firms.
