A growing number of Kenyans are finding themselves locked out of online job platforms and remote work opportunities.
The development recently gained traction after a Reddit discussion highlighted how Kenyans are increasingly being locked out from global remote work platforms that once offered them opportunities.
“Like Nigerians, Kenyans are now unwanted online, especially by major platforms or services,” started the discussion.
Many users shared personal experiences of being denied access or disqualified from online opportunities despite meeting all listed requirements.
For instance, a popular AI training firm, a major player in the remote work and data labeling sector, has reportedly stopped hiring from Kenya, despite advertising “worldwide” positions.
According to the Reddit discussion, the company continues to advertise positions open in Uganda and Tanzania, including a Luo-language trainer role specifically reserved for Tanzanian applicants.
This trend isn’t isolated. At least 15 instances have been documented where Kenyan applicants were barred from participating in global platforms.
Some firms have even published disclaimers explicitly stating that they do not work with individuals from Kenya, Nigeria, Iran, Russia, or North Korea—a grouping that has raised eyebrows among digital rights observers.
Reactions as Job Platforms Ban Kenyan Workers
One contributor, posting under the username paultitude, suggested that the ban might be linked to past misuse of online platforms and Kenya’s evolving tax policies.
“Kenyans have really messed up some online reputations. There was a popular site people used for transcribing—I forget the name—but I know someone who would pay for accounts, do jobs, and then leave other jobs pending once he had enough cash,” the user wrote.
“He kept getting accounts banned and repeating the process. I think he is the reason Kenya got banned there. Another thing could also be the new tax laws by KRA. Even on my hosting bill, I see the taxes I remit are more than if I had a US entity.”
Also Read: Employers Reveal Top Sectors Expected to Hire More Kenyans in 2025
Another Reddit user, waseenmetokagithurai, added that the exclusion isn’t limited to freelancing or data-related jobs.
“It’s not just online jobs, by the way,” the user wrote.
“There’s this prominent startup fundraising community that connects indigenous African startups to investors globally, based in the US. It’s quite exclusive since you must be nominated by an existing corporate investor, submit numerous mandatory documents, and undergo serious vetting — including third-party agencies to make sure you are legit.”
User NijKasai added another layer to the debate, suggesting that the shift in hiring practices by AI-related companies could be linked to global industry backlash following earlier controversies involving Kenyan workers.
“AI training platforms not wanting to hire from Kenya has more to do with the OpenAI story that brought a lot of scrutiny to the industry,” the user wrote. “Many Kenyans were hired in the early days of ChatGPT, and eventually, it was revealed they were underpaid, and the job left a massive dent on their mental health.”
For some, the restrictions have become a harsh new normal. Reddit user Mr_Ndungu expressed frustration over repeated account bans despite efforts to work around the blocks.
“I have come to terms with this sad reality,” he said.
“It is also sad to note that if you bypass those restrictions by using VPNs or proxies, your account stays active for a few days before it is restricted or banned.”
Also Read: 1,000 Kenyan CEOs Warn of Reduced Spending as Job Losses Mount
Sites that Offer Remote Jobs
- Upwork
Presently, Upwork is the best and most professional freelancing platform for international remote jobs in Kenya.
The site has a variety of work and customers with top-notch skills. Writers earn between Ksh 725 and Ksh 14,500 per 500-word article.
- Fiverr
Another freelancer site is Fiverr, where Kenyans can obtain remote jobs. Here, one has the options of writing an article, dancing while dressed up as a vegetable, or becoming a virtual assistant.
- Freelancer
Another site offering remote jobs is Freelancer. Here, it is easy to get your first job, although it is currently saturated and low-paying, according to reviews from a section of users. On average, a freelance writer can earn Ksh 290 per 500-word article.
After a bit of advancement, one can start earning Ksh 580 per 500-word article.
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