Major Layoffs at Sama Following Meta Contract Termination

Samasource Impact Sourcing Inc. (Sama), a prominent data annotation firm based in Nairobi, has announced the impending layoff of 1,108 employees due to the termination of a significant contract with Meta. The redundancy notices were issued on April 16, 2026, and the layoffs are set to take effect later this month, in compliance with Section 40 of Kenya's Employment Act, 2007. The affected employees primarily worked on the now-discontinued workstream associated with Meta.

Sama To Lay Off 1,108 Workers In Nairobi After Meta Contract EndsSama to lay off over 1,100 Kenyan workersSama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta contract exit

The layoffs underscore the vulnerability of Kenya's outsourcing sector, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) domain, which has seen rapid growth but remains heavily reliant on a limited number of large international clients. Sama's relationship with Meta, which began in 2017, has been marked by various challenges, including scrutiny over working conditions and the nature of the work performed by its employees. The termination of this contract raises concerns about the sustainability of Kenya's role in the global AI value chain.

Sama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta ends dealSama to lay off over 1,100 Kenyan workers

Sama has expressed its commitment to supporting affected employees during this transition. Annepeace Alwala, Sama's Country Lead and Vice President for Global Delivery, stated, “As is standard in our industry, client programs evolve, and we work closely with our partners to manage these transitions responsibly.” The company is providing resources such as medical cover, wellness support, and counselling services to assist those impacted by the layoffs. Alwala emphasized the importance of recognizing the broader implications of these job losses on both the employees and the local community.

Sama to lay off over 1,100 employees after Meta ends Nairobi contract

Critics have pointed out the precarious nature of employment within the outsourcing sector, where job security is often tied to specific contracts that can be terminated with little notice. The layoffs at Sama represent the largest round of job cuts in the tech sector in Nairobi to date, raising questions about the reliance of the outsourcing industry on a few major clients. Additionally, the recent history of Sama's operations, including previous allegations of poor working conditions and mental health issues among content moderators, has led to increased scrutiny from labor activists.

Sama to lay off over 1,100 Kenyan workers

The termination of the Meta contract and the resulting layoffs highlight the fragility of the AI outsourcing landscape in Kenya. As global technology firms reassess their operational strategies and vendor relationships, the future of thousands of jobs in the region hangs in the balance. The situation prompts critical questions about the sustainability of Kenya's burgeoning digital economy and the potential for future job losses in the sector.

Sama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta ends deal

• “As is standard in our industry, client programs evolve, and we work closely with our partners to manage these transitions responsibly.” — Annepeace Alwala, Country Lead and Vice President for Global Delivery, Sama.

Sama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta contract exit

• “We recognise the impact this has on our team and are actively supporting affected employees with care and respect,” — Sama statement.

Sama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta contract exit

The layoffs at Sama serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the outsourcing industry in Kenya, as it navigates the complexities of global demand and client relationships in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Sama to lay off 1,108 Nairobi staff after Meta ends deal