More than 1,000 employees at Sama’s Nairobi office face job losses after the company confirmed a contract termination by its key client, Meta.
The development marks a shift for the outsourcing firm, which has long operated as a major employer in Kenya’s digital services sector.
In a media release dated April 16, 2026, Samasource Impact Sourcing Inc. (Sama) announced that Meta had issued a formal notice to end a major engagement at its Nairobi office. The company said it had attempted to engage the client to safeguard jobs, but the efforts did not succeed.
Following the failed negotiations, Sama issued a redundancy notice to its staff in compliance with Kenyan labour laws. The notice signals a major workforce reduction that could affect livelihoods and the broader local economy.
Company Prioritises Employee Support During Transition
“As is standard in our industry, client programs evolve, and we work closely with our partners to manage these transitions responsibly. Our immediate priority is supporting our employees through this change and ensuring continuity across our broader operations,” said Sama Country Lead and Vice President for Global Delivery, Mrs Annepeace Alwala.
The company indicated that the redundancy process complies with Section 40 of the Employment Act, 2007. It added that notifications have already been sent to relevant parties, outlining the scale and impact of the decision.
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Redundancy to Affect Over 1,100 Workers
Sama confirmed that the layoffs will affect 1,108 employees, many of whom are part of the terminated workstream linked to the Meta contract. This represents a substantial portion of the Nairobi workforce.
The company acknowledged the weight of the decision and its impact on employees and the surrounding community. At the same time, it emphasized ongoing support measures for those affected.
“We recognise the significant impact on the team and the local community. We are actively working to support affected employees with care and respect as we always do,” Alwala added.
Support Measures and Industry Context
Sama noted that its employees have been receiving living wages, full benefits, and access to wellness programs, including medical coverage and on-site counselling. The company said these support systems will continue to play a role during the transition period.
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Despite the layoffs, Sama maintained that it remains committed to its core business of providing data annotation and AI training services. The firm also reiterated its position as a global leader in delivering solutions that power artificial intelligence and machine learning models.
The Nairobi centre has been a key hub in Sama’s global operations, contributing to Kenya’s growing reputation in the AI value chain. However, the loss of the Meta contract underscores the vulnerability of outsourcing firms to shifts in client demand.
As the redundancy process unfolds, attention will likely turn to how affected workers transition and how the industry adapts to changing global partnerships.
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