Addressing Exploitation of Kenyan Youth by American Tech Companies: Project Ether Calls on President Ruto to Take Action

A section of Kenyan youth groups, organized under the banner of Project Ether, are calling on President William Ruto to address issues facing Kenyan youth working for major American tech corporations during his visit to the USA. The youth are particularly concerned about exploitation, violation of human rights, and workers’ rights in the digital workforce, especially for those employed by companies like Facebook, Scale AI, and Open AI through business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in Kenya.

As discussions between President Ruto and USA President Joe Biden focus on trade, investment, and technological innovation, areas directly impacting the lives of Kenyan youth in the digital economy, the youth are urging the President to use this opportunity to advocate for their rights. They want President Ruto to ensure that the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreements include mechanisms to prevent union busting by US companies in Kenya.

The youth groups highlighted inhumane working conditions, discrimination, mental health issues, lack of social safety nets, unequal pay for equal work, and contracting malpractices as issues amounting to modern-day slavery in the digital workforce. They also emphasized the toll taken on workers’ health and well-being due to their work.

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga voiced his support for the youth, criticizing US companies for disregarding Kenya’s sovereignty and failing to comply with local laws and regulations on workers’ rights. He described this behavior as hypocritical and called for respect for Kenya’s constitution.

The youth are hopeful that President Ruto will champion their cause and ensure that the voices of Kenyan digital workers are heard during trade negotiations with the US. By addressing these issues, they aim to secure better working conditions and protections for themselves and future generations of digital workers in Kenya.