Kenya-Based Technology Workers Honor Nigerian Colleague Amidst Concerns Over Work Conditions

Technology workers in Nairobi mourned the death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator, whose body was found after she suffered for two years without being able to return to Nigeria. Her colleagues have stressed the negative working conditions in the industry, including concerns over mental health support and job security. The family is considering a local burial due to financial limitations.

In a poignant reflection of workplace challenges, technology workers in Nairobi, Kenya, gathered to honor Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who passed away under unclear circumstances after being unable to return home to Nigeria for two years. Her body was discovered decomposing in her residence several days later, raising concerns among her colleagues about her wellbeing prior to her death. Friends reported that Ms. Olubunmi exhibited signs of fatigue and expressed a deep desire to return to her homeland.

The company employing her, Teleperformance Kenya, did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the incident. However, a statement from the company, viewed by AP, denied accusations that Olubunmi had been denied leave, labeling such claims as “baseless and untrue.” Colleagues have spoken out about the unsatisfactory working conditions faced by content moderators within subcontracted firms in Kenya, highlighting issues such as inadequate pay, a lack of mental health resources, extended work hours, and experiences of intimidation.

Moreover, over 100 previous content moderators from Facebook have initiated legal actions against the social media giant, accusing it of providing insufficient pay, poor working conditions, and wrongful termination by its Kenyan subcontractor, Samasource. The gathering also brought together content moderators and data labelers from various tech companies, who voiced concerns that such adverse working conditions might have played a role in Olubunmi’s untimely death.

Friend Kauna Malgwi shared alarming details, stating that many workers, including over 100 Nigerians employed by Teleperformance, had been without work permits for the past two years, effectively hindering their ability to travel home despite possessing annual return ticket benefits. Following the discovery of her body by a neighbor, Olubunmi’s family was notified, and her brother received an email from Teleperformance regarding her death, which included information on contacting local investigators for further details on the autopsy and funeral arrangements.

Due to financial constraints, Olubunmi’s family is contemplating requesting assistance from her church in Nairobi for her burial rather than incurring the costs of transporting her body home to Nigeria.

In summary, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi’s death has drawn attention to the troubling working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya. The lack of adequate support, combined with the inability to return home, has been linked to detrimental effects on the workers’ mental and physical health. This situation underscores the need for improved labor practices and support systems for expatriate workers in the tech industry.

Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com