Regulation of digital platforms for a socially-just gig economy in Kenya

Digital platforms are fundamentally changing the world of work, giving way to a new economic model referred to as the ‘gig economy’. Kenya is at the forefront of this gig economy, with a wide range of digital platforms operating and offering workers immense opportunities for flexible, cost-effective and convenient work. On the flipside the precarious livelihoods of workers often remain unaddressed. This study sheds light on challenges gig workers face in Kenya such as platform’s market power concentration, a lack of codified worker’s rights or women facing disadvantages on the job market due to gender-based factors. Furthermore, it gives concrete recommendations that policy makers can draw on to refine a digital platform regulation approach for a more socially-just gig economy in Kenya and other sub-Saharan countries.