Redefining AI Labor: Ensuring Fairness and Equity for Data Workers

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Hosted by AI Kenya in Partnership with Pulitzer Center

For the second edition of the AI Townhall series, Ai Kenya, a leading organization committed to fostering the growth and ethical use of artificial intelligence in Kenya, is proud to partner with the Pulitzer Center, an international media organization that supports journalism and engagement on critical global issues. This event is part of Pulitzer Center’s efforts to promote discussions on the responsibility of artificial intelligence and its impact on society, based on the journalistic work of Tatiana Dias on the impact of the development of AI on workers, as well as other journalists such as Billy Perrigo.

This town hall brings together key stakeholders—data workers (data labelers, content moderators, transcribers), tech leaders, labor advocates, and policymakers—to address critical labor practices in AI-driven industries. As the AI economy expands, it is crucial to ensure fair working conditions, equitable compensation, and mental well-being for the workers powering these technologies.

The platforms we use daily, from social media to AI systems like ChatGPT, rely on the essential work of data labelers and content moderators, collectively known as data workers. They filter harmful content and label data to enable smooth and safe digital experiences. Without their contributions, our digital environments would not function as effectively or safely.

With insights from across sectors, this event will spark meaningful discussions and propose actionable solutions to improve the AI labor ecosystem. The event features expert panel discussions followed by an extensive Q&A session, providing participants an opportunity for direct engagement with the speakers and fostering rich, interactive dialogue on the future of AI labor practices and worker well-being.

Event Objectives:

• Understand the challenges faced by data workers, particularly in data labeling and content moderation.
• Discuss corporate responsibility, ethical AI practices, and how tech companies can lead labor reform.
• Explore best practices for managing mental well-being in high-stress AI jobs.
• Build a sustainable AI labor ecosystem supported by fair policies and regulatory frameworks.

Who Should Attend:

• Data workers: Individuals involved in AI training, data labeling, and content moderation.
• Tech leaders & BPO industry: Representatives from companies that offer data processing services in the AI industry value chain.
• Labor advocates: Union leaders and workers' rights advocates.
• Policymakers & legal experts: Professionals shaping labor laws, AI regulations, and policy reforms.
• Mental health professionals: Counselors, psychologists, and wellness experts specializing in high-stress work environments

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Event panelists

• Mercy Mutemi is an advocate dedicated to taking on cases that shape our digital future. She is the lead advocate in a case challenging the Facebook algorithm for prioritizing dangerous and insightful content and for being discriminatory against African users. 
• Ephantus Kanyugi is a founding member and current programs manager of Data Labelers Kenya, an organization dedicated to supporting data labelers, content moderators, and AI professionals across Kenya by promoting fair labor practices, civic rights education, and community empowerment.
• Victoria Rika is the head of corporate mental health and wellness programs at Chiromo Hospital Group. She has vast experience working as a counseling and clinical psychologist with a passion for peer and youth mentorship. 
• Festus Kiragu has been in the technology and telecommunication industries for over 25 years in the emerging markets. He currently holds the position of Kenya Country Director & VP of Global Operations at CloudFactory, an outsourcing organization headquartered in the United Kingdom and with offices in the U.S., Germany, and Nepal. 

Event moderator

• Peter Mwangangi is a senior journalist at the BBC World Service Africa. He has over 10 years’ experience in media including covering news stories in multiple African countries, with an interest in the fields of technology and innovations, business, agriculture, policy, politics, among others.

Event Location:

Parklands, Nairobi (Exact location details will be shared with confirmed participants only).

Event Program:

• 7:30am - 8:00am: Check-in, breakfast, and networking
• 8:00am - 8:10am: Opening remarks by AI Kenya & Pulitzer Center
• 8:10am - 8:20am: 1st Keynote presentation by batch 1 panelists
• 8:20am - 9:00am: Panel discussion with panelist 1 & panelist 2
• 9:00am - 9:40am: Q&A session for 1st panel discussion
• 9:40am - 9:50am: 2nd Keynote presentation by panelists
• 9:50am - 10:30am: Panel discussion with panelist 3 & panelist 4
• 10:30am - 11:10am: Q&A Session for 2nd panel discussion
• 11:10am - 11:30am: Closing remarks and feedback
• 11:30am - 12:00am: Group photo, networking, and event closure

Event Registration: 

We have limited slots for participants for this event. Only confirmed participants can attend. To be considered, please apply using the following link: https://bit.ly/regaikevent15thNov. After your application is reviewed, check your email for a confirmation message from Ai Kenya, and ensure to monitor your spam folder in case it is wrongly labeled by your mailing service. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be able to send confirmation emails to shortlisted participants. We appreciate your understanding and interest in being part of this important conversation.