Kenya-based Tech Workers Mourn Colleague Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi

Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator in Kenya, died under unclear circumstances after not being able to return to Nigeria for two years. Her colleagues held a vigil, discussing the adverse working conditions affecting their mental health. Teleperformance, her employer, reportedly denied claims of denying her leave. The case highlights ongoing issues related to labor rights in Kenya’s tech industry.

On Tuesday, employees in Kenya gathered to mourn the loss of their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who passed away under uncertain circumstances after being unable to return to her home in Nigeria for two years. Her body was found decomposing in her residence, three days after her death. The cause remains unknown, although colleagues noted her expressed fatigue and a strong desire to return to Nigeria.

The company, Teleperformance Kenya, did not provide a response to inquiries by The Associated Press regarding Olubunmi’s situation. However, they described allegations of her being denied leave as “baseless and untrue.” Content moderators have previously criticized the working environment in Kenya, citing insufficient pay, inadequate mental health support, extensive hours, and a culture of intimidation.

In light of Olubunmi’s passing, numerous content moderators and data labelers convened to deliberate on the detrimental working conditions believed to have impacted her wellbeing. Kauna Malgwi, a close friend, highlighted that many Nigerian employees at Teleperformance have not received work permits for two years, preventing their travel home despite having return ticket benefits.

Olubunmi’s family was notified of her death a day after the discovery of her body. The company notified her brother via email and provided contacts for Kenyan officials to assist with investigations and arrangements. Malgwi indicated that the family is unable to afford the return of Olubunmi’s body and is contemplating seeking help from her church in Nairobi for burial.

This tragic incident underscores the pressing need for improved working conditions and mental health support for content moderators in Kenya. The plight of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi serves as a reminder of the human cost associated with inadequate labor practices in the technology sector. As her colleagues mourn her loss, the call for change in corporate policies and treatment of workers becomes increasingly urgent.

Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com