Meta is currently embroiled in two significant lawsuits in Kenya, centered on allegations of unfair dismissal and inadequate compensation related to content moderation.
A former moderator, along with 187 other ex-moderators, has initiated legal action against the tech giant, claiming mistreatment and seeking redress.
The Court of Appeal in Kenya recently upheld a ruling from the Employment Court, granting the group the right to sue Meta.
This decision establishes the company’s accountability for the alleged poor treatment of its former employees, paving the way for a potential trial unless a settlement is reached.
The moderators are collectively seeking an extensive compensation amount of $1.6 billion.
Advocate Mercy Mutemi, representing the plaintiffs, confirmed that the legal proceedings against Meta, along with its partners Sama and Majorel, can move forward.
The case is set to examine the legality of the moderators’ redundancy, especially in light of claims that Sama dismissed several of them following their attempts to unionize, contradicting its stated support for union representation.
Additionally, the moderators have reported facing harsh working conditions, including exposure to disturbing content and receiving low pay—KES 60,000 per month.
The ongoing business shifts have led both Sama and Majorel to halt their content moderation services for Meta, with Majorel recently laying off over 200 employees due to the loss of Meta’s business.
