Facebook has chosen Kenya as the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to host a content review centre which is aimed at boosting its investment across the continent and at the same time enhance the safety and security measures of using the site.
The Facebook centre will be forged in partnership with Samasource, a digital employer and a leading social enterprise. It will have approximately 100 reviewers who support a number of languages, including Somali, Oromo, Swahili and Hausa.
Fazdai Madzingira, Facebook Public Policy Associate for content, says that the centre is aimed at ensuring that people of various backgrounds can access the content in Facebook they need as well as get a clear understanding of the do’s and don’ts of using the site.
“That’s why we have a set of Community Standards, and last year published the more detailed internal guidelines around these rules. We want Facebook to be a place where people can express themselves and freely discuss different points of view, whilst ensuring that it remains safe for everyone,” she said.
Ebele Okobi, Facebook’s Public Policy Director, Africa, added that the centre will highlight the platform’s commitment to serving the community of people using our platforms across Africa.
“I am delighted that through our partnership with Samasource we will be opening our first content review centre here in Africa,” Okobi said.
Carolyn Komen, Samasource Program Director expressed the company’s commitment using technology and private sector methods to measurably improve access to work and job training and ultimately ending global poverty.
“As one of the largest digital employers in East Africa, we’re excited to partner with Facebook in Nairobi to help keep people on Facebook safe and continue our mission. Our team will receive extensive training and support, benefit from industry-leading facilities, and have the opportunity to advance their careers in tech through this partnership,” Komen added.