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Teresios Bundi illustrates the impact of generative AI on Kenya's essay-writing industry

The essay-writing industry in Kenya has shrunk dramatically following the release of ChatGPT in 2022. For over a decade, thousands of young graduates provided academic ghostwriting services for students in the United States and Britain, often earning more than conventional graduate jobs. At its peak, researchers estimated that at least 40,000 people in Nairobi were being paid to complete other students' homework. Teresios Bundi, a former essay writer who completed more than 2,500 projects, saw his business change as students began using AI tools to generate drafts in minutes. While the industry has faced a decline in rates and volume, some writers are now transitioning to roles involving the human review of AI output, data annotation, and AI training. Kenya has actively promoted online outsourcing as a primary route for youth employment. However, the rapid advancement of AI technology demonstrates that digital jobs that appear secure today can disappear quickly as automation becomes capable of performing repetitive text-based tasks.

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