The thinkers and writers warned us of a future where robots would take over the world—a dramatic clash between humans and cyborgs for control of the planet. But what they missed is this: the battle wouldn’t start with lasers and metal fists. It would start with jobs.
First, it was the tea. Tea pickers resisted the machines, fighting against the automation of their work. What they didn’t see was that the age of cheaper labor as a competitive advantage—was over. Large enough companies will operate at 0 labor cost, the only human labor maintains and keeps the machines running.
The countries that will win in this new era are the ones that embrace AI and build network-driven businesses designed to scale and adapt. But this isn’t just about being at the front of an AI prompt—it’s about building the infrastructure: the energy to run AI, the machines to power automation, and the systems to sustain the revolution.
So, what’s brewing? No, not coffee. It’s chaos in the shamba.
Attack of the Robot Pickers
Somewhere deep in Kericho, a farmer stands confused as a shiny robot gently plucks two leaves and a bud—then sends a sarcastic tweet about it. Meanwhile, our veteran tea pickers are on strike, understandably, because how do you compete with a machine that doesn't nap under a tree or demand ugali na beef at 12 p.m.?
Even worse? The robot never complains. Sure, it needs the occasional service—but it’s relentless. Machines have slashed the cost of tea picking to nearly zero, and tea companies are reaping the rewards.
A few with a conscience are giving back, helping set up early tech schools in the very neighborhood's hardest hit by job losses. But for many, the damage is already done.
This isn't just a labor issue, it’s a potential country killer—because if Rwanda or Sri Lanka automates faster than us, our tea export market goes kwisha.
Cheaper Labour, no more—0 Labour
Remember when we used to chant “Think Global, Act Local”? Now it’s “Think AI, Act Fast—or Get Replaced.”
With AI and robotics, the game has changed. It’s no longer about where labor is cheapest—it’s about where machines are fastest and labor costs at 0. Most developed countries do not need to hire unskilled labor anymore—they’ve got robots, software, running factories, treating patients and writing legal documents.
Labourers Are the New Kings – Yes, You Read That Right
Ironically, it’s the skilled blue-collar heroes who might come out on top. Mechanics, electricians, plumbers—the watu wa spanner—they’re winning. Why? Because you can’t outsource fixing a mechanical robot, to robots just. Yet.
Meanwhile, the so-called knowledge workers (yes, we’re looking at you Mr. MBA-with-PowerPoint) are discovering that AI can write business plans better, faster, and with more in-depth research.
The Rise of Network Businesses
Platforms are taking over. Uber disrupted taxis, Airbnb upended hotels—and now AI is coming for, well... you.
Network-based businesses are thriving by connecting people—partners, providers, customers—into seamless ecosystems. The more users they attract, the stronger they get. It's no longer about owning assets; it’s about owning the network.
Professional Services Just Got a Discount
If you're a knowledge worker—medicine, law, software, engineering—you probably spent years in school mastering your craft. Bad news: your income is about to take a serious haircut. Good news? The time it takes to get those qualifications is dropping by up to 80%.
Doctors will need just six months of training. Lawyers are being replaced by legal apps. Degrees in medicine and law will get shorter, cheaper, and possibly... optional.
In short: if your job doesn't involve touching wires, fixing machines, or being unreasonably good with a spanner, you better be the one building the AI—not the one nervously asking, "How does it work?"
What’s a Kenyan to Do?
Learn AI (Not just how to spell it).
Stop Ignoring Technical Trades. Welding might just save your life.
Build Networks. The next big businesses will be Kenyan network business for lawyers, doctors the same knowledge workers who will need to look for extra incomes online.
Educate Kenyans. Explain the coming changes, in phases and the need to learn new things.
Prepare for the AI-Supervised Hustle. Where your boss is an algorithm, and your only job is to “stay relevant.”
Abandon Hope...? Not Yet.
We’re not saying abandon hope—but it might be time to update your skillset... and teach your cucu how to use Midjourney. The machines aren’t coming to take your job—they’re coming to do it faster, better, and without asking for a tea break.
That means many of the things that once worked—manual processes, cheap labour, outdated systems—will be uprooted and replaced. Drastically.
The countries that will lead the future will be those that embrace automation across multiple industries. Those that resist will fall behind. You can’t fight this wave with cheap labor.
Adapt or die. The toasters are coming!
