Shadow Scholars Power Global Academia While Recognition Remains Absent

Contract Cheating Fuels Degrees Worldwide as Kenyan Writers Remain Invisible

Ghostwriting and contract cheating are a rapidly growing industry which generates billions annually. This hidden industry has been exposed through a growing body of research and documentary evidence, which underlines that highly educated individuals produce academic work on behalf of university students. These shadow scholars, mainly from Kenya, are contracted to write essays, dissertations and even PhD theses for students around the world, including those studying at UK universities.

Although this practice is not exclusive to Kenya, such operations were reported even in India, Pakistan and the UK; specifically, Nairobi emerged as a major hub. Estimates suggest that up to 40,000 academic ghostwriters operate in the city, bidding for assignments on digital platforms and delivering work under tight deadlines. These writers, often graduates with strong academic credentials, face limited employment opportunities and turn to academic outsourcing as a means of survival.

A recent documentary follows sociologist and Oxford professor Patricia Kingori as she travels to Nairobi to meet these writers. She reportedly described the experience as akin to entering an elite training camp, noting the extraordinary speed and skill with which these individuals produce complex academic content, often on subjects they have never formally studied. According to Kingori, the writers face relentless pressure: missed deadlines result in poor reviews and exclusion from platforms, with no allowances for illness or delay.

Among those featured is Mercy, a graduate and mother who reportedly works through the night, juggling multiple assignments across different disciplines with minimal rest. Another contributor, Chege, is said to have used his earnings to fund his own education, support his family, and build a home, highlighting the economic significance of this underground profession. To find employment, numerous authors have been found to use pseudonyms, assuming Western-sounding names and profile images. Kingori noted that clients are frequently made to believe they are contracting the services of a person who is located in the UK or the US, echoing a prejudice that underrates intellectual work from Africa. She contended that such an image upholds outmoded accounts regarding Africa's contribution to the ethics of higher education in the sense that the continent is perceived as a receiver of aid rather than a donor of scholarly standards.

One of the authors featured in the film allegedly complained about a lack of acknowledgement, citing that their intellectual effort was appreciated, but they themselves were not. Another pointed out the inequality in the system, noting that it was unprecedented for a Kenyan author to be asking for academic help from a Western student. Even with the moral issues, the monetary benefits are significant. It is said that high-profile ghostwriters earn sums of money comparable to those of doctors in Nairobi, paying between £1 per page and thousands for entire dissertations. Some, such as Adrian, have allegedly ghostwritten for students at well-known universities like Oxford and Leeds. When questioned concerning the morality of his profession, Adrian indicated that the onus is on the client and that he derives information through the process.

Moreover, the documentary also contrasts this with the story of Kate, a US student who faced academic pressure and financial strain, and resorted to selling explicit images to get funds from outsourced essays. Her situation underscores the desperation that drives demand for essay mills, even in countries with high tuition costs and strong institutional reputations. Although essay mills were banned in England in 2022, contract cheating remains prevalent, as warned by Thomas Lancaster from Imperial College London. Lancaster noted that the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT is reshaping the landscape, with students now using AI to draft essays before hiring human writers to refine the content and avoid detection.

Kingori expressed frustration at the systemic inequalities revealed by the film, arguing that the intellectual contributions of Kenyan writers deserve recognition on the global stage. She suggested that power structures within global education markets often remain invisible, allowing unethical practices to persist unchallenged. In sum, the documentary sheds light on a complex and ethically fraught industry, one that raises urgent questions about academic integrity, global labour dynamics, and the future of higher education in an AI-driven world.

Editor’s Note:

The eye-opening documentary shed light on a hidden billion-dollar industry, indicating the troubling reality of higher education. It is a lamentable fact that thousands of highly educated students are compelled to write essays, PhD thesis and dissertations as a means of financial sustenance. These writers, often called “shadow scholars”, are helping others succeed while remaining invisible themselves. Professor Patricia Kingori’s visit to Nairobi reveals the extraordinary talent, hard work and skill of these writers, who are completing complex assignments under tight deadlines and without any technological support. They work tirelessly without any break to deliver the content they are asked for, as they need to save their jobs. Most disconcerting is the manner in which these authors feel compelled to conceal their identity. Many employ pseudonyms and Western profile images in order to find work, since clients frequently assume that it is only possible for a person from the UK or the US to do first-class academic writing. This is an indication of deep prejudice that underrates the African mind and input. Despite the ethical concerns, the financial rewards can be life-changing. Some ghostwriters earn as much as doctors in Nairobi. They use the money to support their families, pay for education, and build a better life. But the pressure is constant, and recognition is rare. Professor Kingori rightly said that these writers deserve to be seen and respected. Their work is real, their skills are valuable, and their voices matter. If education is truly about learning and growth, then we must also look at who is doing the work and whether they are being treated fairly.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that the documentary is not about cheating; it is about how talented, educated individuals face inequality without the recognition for the hidden labour that supports the academic success of others.

FAQs

1. How does one become an academic writer? 
To become an academic writer, one typically needs a strong educational background, excellent research skills, and the ability to write clearly and analytically. Most begin by specialising in a subject area, gaining experience through freelance platforms, academic editing services, or publishing their own work. A good grasp of citation styles, academic tone, and plagiarism standards is essential. Over time, building a portfolio and maintaining credibility through consistent quality helps secure long-term opportunities.

2. What is essay AI? 
Essay AI refers to artificial intelligence tools designed to assist with writing essays. These systems can generate drafts, suggest structure, improve grammar, and even mimic academic tone. While they can be useful for brainstorming or refining content, they often lack deep subject understanding and critical analysis. Responsible use involves treating AI as a support tool rather than a substitute for original thinking.

3. How can one make money writing essays? 
Writers can earn by offering academic writing services through freelance platforms, content agencies, or direct client work. Opportunities range from essay writing and editing to dissertation support and tutoring. Success depends on subject expertise, reliability, and ethical boundaries,especially in avoiding contract cheating. Transparent services such as academic coaching or proofreading are more sustainable and professionally credible.

4. Why do students hire essay writers? 
Students may hire essay writers due to time pressure, language barriers, or difficulty understanding complex topics. Others seek help to improve grades or meet tight deadlines. However, motivations vary widely, from genuine academic support to unethical outsourcing. The rise of online platforms and academic stress has made such services more accessible, though they raise serious concerns about integrity and fairness.

5. How does one write a good academic essay? 
A strong academic essay begins with a clear thesis, followed by structured arguments supported by evidence. It should include an introduction, coherent body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Proper referencing, formal tone, and critical analysis are key. Planning, drafting, and revising are essential steps, and attention to clarity, logic, and relevance ensures the essay meets academic standards.