Platform Livelihoods: The quality of Kenyan youth's digital experiences in logistics, e-commerce, farming, and the creative sectors - 2021-08

This "Platform Livelihoods" report explores how young Kenyans earn income through digital platforms. Produced by Qhala and Caribou Digital in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, it examines the opportunities and challenges of gig and platform work across four sectors—delivery logistics, online commerce, agriculture, and creative industries.

Through interviews with 74 youth and additional video diaries, the report investigates the nature and quality of digital work, emphasizing how platforms like Jumia, Sendy, and social media create both flexibility and precarity. It reveals inequalities by gender, location, and ability, highlighting that most participants value autonomy but face limited protections, inconsistent earnings, and dependence on platform algorithms. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these vulnerabilities while accelerating digital adoption.

Ultimately, the report argues that while platforms expand economic opportunities and reshape work for young Africans, they also raise critical questions about dignity, inclusion, and sustainability. It calls for collaborative action—among governments, platforms, and development partners—to ensure digital livelihoods are fair, inclusive, and future-ready.