After going through layoffs, I asked myself one question: how can I become independent and employ myself? That question led me to AI training work. This guide covers what the work is, what it's really like day to day, how the pay works, and how to avoid scams. It's written from my own experience in Nairobi.
The short version: AI training means helping AI systems get better by labeling data, comparing AI outputs, and checking quality. Pay and rules vary a lot between platforms, and accuracy matters more than speed.
What is AI training?
AI systems learn from examples that people check and label. AI trainers, also called data annotators or evaluators, do that checking. You might mark objects in a video, compare two AI-generated images, or rate which answer is better. The goal is to make the AI more accurate and more useful.
The kinds of tasks I've done
The work depends on the platform. In my case, it has included:
- Video annotation and comparison: labeling video content and comparing videos against a set of guidelines
- Image regeneration with annotation: redoing AI-generated images and annotating the result
- Image comparison: judging which of two AI-generated images is better
How the work actually goes
Every project comes with strict guidelines and review examples, and you have to read them carefully before you start. Your work is then checked for accuracy. You're not being asked what you personally like. You're being asked to apply the guidelines consistently.
Sometimes a case isn't covered by the guidelines. The right move is to flag it to the project lead with clear notes on what you compared, not to guess.
How platforms pay: hourly vs per task
This surprised me most, because platforms pay in very different ways. Here are two I've worked with:
| Hourly (RWS, in my experience) | Per task (Mindrift, in my experience) | |
|---|---|---|
| How pay works | Paid per hour worked | Paid per HIT, a batch of about 20 tasks |
| What I earned | €6 an hour | About $0.80 to $3 per HIT, depending on the project |
| Time | Up to 12 hours a day were allowed; I usually did 7 to 8 | About 30 to 35 minutes per HIT if you're fast, longer if not |
| Entry | Guidelines and review examples | An exam and training first |
Pay changes by project and over time, so treat these as what I was paid when I worked on them, not a promise of what you'll earn.
My rough math on the per-task figures: at the faster pace, a HIT works out to roughly $1.50 to $6 an hour, and slower work earns less. That's why I prefer hourly pay.
The entry exam: accuracy decides
On per-task platforms you usually have to pass an exam and training first. On the image comparison projects I did, work was checked against a 75% accuracy target. If you fall below it, you have to redo the training and exam, which is about 70 tasks, or 3.5 HITs, and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours. Rushing can cost you more time than it saves.
My biggest tip: accuracy first, speed second
The biggest mistake is rushing through projects to earn more. Go for accuracy first, then speed. Careful work passes the checks, keeps you on the project and, over time, gets you more work.
Don't overwork
When a platform allows 12 hours a day, it doesn't mean you should do 12. I found that sitting in front of a computer for more than 8 hours isn't sustainable, and breaks and rest matter for the quality of your work too. Pick a number of hours you can keep up for weeks, not just one big day.
How you get paid
In my experience, payment comes by bank transfer, PayPal, or Payoneer. Which one you can use depends on the platform, so check this before you start, along with any fees and the minimum payout.
What you need to start
- A laptop or computer and a stable internet connection
- Good written English and attention to detail
- Patience to read long guidelines and follow them exactly
- A way to receive international payments (bank, PayPal, or Payoneer)
Requirements differ by project. Some want specific languages or subject knowledge. If you speak Swahili, language-specific projects may be open to you, so watch for them.
How to find real opportunities
Go to the source: the careers pages of the companies themselves, and their official talent or community pages. Check each company's current page for whether it hires from Kenya, because availability changes. A real opportunity will have a clear description, a stated process, and a contract or terms you can read.
Scam warning signs
Because this work is popular, scams are common. Be careful if you see any of these:
- Someone asks you to pay to start, whether as a "registration," "training," or "activation" fee. Real platforms don't charge you to work.
- Someone offers to sell or rent you an account, or asks to use yours. This breaks platform rules and can get you banned.
- An unsolicited offer arrives on WhatsApp or Telegram from someone you've never dealt with.
- Guaranteed income or big pay for easy work.
- Pressure to hurry, or a request for ID, bank, or card details before you've seen any contract or terms.
If something feels off, stop and check the company's official website yourself, without using the link or number you were sent.
Set realistic expectations
This work is project-based. Projects can pause, end, or return later, and work isn't always available. My own project with RWS is ongoing, and I'm open to being recalled, but nothing is guaranteed. Treat it as one income source among others, not a permanent job.
Your first 30 days: a checklist
- Week 1: Set up a payment method (bank, PayPal, or Payoneer) and a professional email. Update your CV and LinkedIn.
- Week 1: List the official careers pages you'll check, and check them for Kenya.
- Week 2: Apply to a few legitimate openings. Keep a record of where and when you applied.
- Week 2: Practice reading long instructions and following them exactly.
- Week 3: If you get an exam, take it when you're rested, researched, and focused. Read the guidelines twice.
- Week 4: Set your daily hours and your break times, and stick to them.
FAQ
Do I need a degree?
It depends on the project. Some projects ask for specific qualifications or skills, and others focus on language and accuracy.
Is AI training legit?
The work is real, and it's how AI systems are improved. But scams copy it, so verify every opportunity yourself.
How much can I earn?
It varies by platform, project, and how fast and accurate you are. Rates change, so check the current rate before you commit, and don't trust promises of guaranteed income.
Can I do it full time?
Work isn't always available, and long hours aren't sustainable. Many people combine it with other work.
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