Key facts
- Thousands of Kenyans previously made a living writing essays for students abroad.
- The widespread adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT has led to a decline in this work.
- One freelance writer reported a significant drop in monthly assignments.
- A survey found that over 89% of American students have used ChatGPT for homework.
- Some writers are now using AI tools to assist in their work, while others fear job displacement.
Thousands of individuals in Kenya have historically relied on writing essays and completing assignments for students in the United States and other overseas locations, a practice known locally as 'academic writing' or 'contract cheating.' This freelance work has served as a significant source of income, particularly in a country with a high unemployment rate and poverty levels.
However, the rapid advancement and accessibility of generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, are now disrupting this industry. Freelance writer Collins, who has been in the business for nine years, has experienced a notable decrease in his workload and income, attributing it directly to the rise of AI. He previously handled 50 to 70 assignments monthly but now receives around 30 to 40.
Data from a January 2023 survey by Study indicates that a vast majority of American students (over 89%) have utilized ChatGPT for academic assistance, with a significant portion admitting to using it for tests, essays, and outlining assignments. This trend suggests a reduced need for human ghostwriters.
Despite some U.S. states banning contract cheating, it has not been a significant deterrent for Kenyan freelancers. However, the long-term implications of AI are a growing concern. Some, like John Kamau, believe that AI will not eliminate academic writing jobs entirely, arguing that editing AI-generated text to avoid detection still requires considerable effort. He anticipates that schools will implement stricter measures against AI tools and that writers can collaborate with AI.
Alfred Ongere, founder of AI Kenya, acknowledges that LLMs will disrupt the academic writing sector. He notes that writers are already leveraging these tools to enhance their productivity and creativity, potentially leading to better quality work. The full impact of AI on this global gig economy sector remains to be seen.