Remotasks, a global micro-tasking platform that has been a significant player in the gig economy, has abruptly ceased its operations in Kenya, leaving many gig workers without a source of income.
The company sent an email to its Kenyan users, announcing the immediate discontinuation of its services in the country. The email, obtained by our news desk, stated, “We are reaching out with an important announcement regarding Remotasks operations in your location. We are discontinuing operations in your current location, effective immediately. As part of this change, you will be off-boarded from your current project.”
Remotasks have been a crucial platform for many Kenyans, providing flexible work opportunities and enabling individuals to earn an income remotely, even in rural areas with limited job prospects. Users could sign up to perform tasks such as image annotation, data entry, and language translation services.
The platform’s impact on the Kenyan economy has been substantial, contributing to reducing unemployment rates and providing supplementary income for many. It has also served as a stepping stone for Kenyans to upskill and integrate into the digital economy.
The cessation of services is expected to have significant implications, with current users facing immediate income loss. Many of these individuals depended on the platform for their daily earnings. Ironically, the shutdown comes just months after President William Ruto highlighted the success story of Brian Kipchumba, a Kenyan student who was earning through the platform. Ruto visited Kaiboi National Polytechnic in January to launch an ICT programme where he was introduced to Kipchumba, who demonstrated how he was able to earn an income through Remotasks.
In February, President Ruto shared Brian’s success story at the World Leaders Summit in Dubai, emphasising how the digital revolution in Kenya has enabled individuals like Brian to connect with global opportunities from the comfort of their homes. The closure of Remotasks in Kenya has left many gig workers in a state of uncertainty, as they now face the challenge of finding alternative sources of income in an already competitive job market.