ChatGPT Wipes Out Kenya's College Essay Writing Industry

ChatGPT has significantly impacted Kenya's academic ghostwriting industry. This sector, which provided livelihoods for many young graduates, involved writing papers for students in other countries. The arrival of ChatGPT in late 2022 offered a cheaper alternative for buyers. This change highlights the vulnerability of outsourced digital work, especially when the task involves text. One ghostwriter saw their monthly income drop from between $900 and $1,200 in 2022 to between $500 and $800 after AI tools became widespread. This income reduction impacts basic needs like rent and food. A 2024 report found that 36% of online freelance workers in Kenya mainly did academic writing. Many of these workers were educated but underemployed, turning to platforms due to a lack of salaried positions. This situation shows how quickly digital work can be disrupted by new technology, affecting many people's ability to earn a living.