Kenyans in a thriving freelance industry once earned incomes writing custom college essays for students worldwide, capitalizing on their strong command of English and familiarity with Western academic standards. The rise of artificial intelligence-powered essay generators has disrupted this niche market, forcing writers to adapt or seek alternative ways to monetize their skills. While some have turned to editing AI-produced work, others face uncertainty as demand for human-written essays declines. The shift highlights both the opportunities and vulnerabilities in gig economies reliant on specialized human expertise.
Kenyans Made a Living Writing College Essays. Then A.I. Arrived. The New York Times
