House Help in Kenya: The 2026 Definitive Guide for Employers and Workers
Finding, hiring, and maintaining a healthy relationship with house help in Kenya is one of the most significant aspects of running a modern household. Whether you are a busy professional in Nairobi or a worker seeking to understand your rights, navigating the domestic work landscape requires more than just an agreement—it requires a "Village."
This comprehensive guide serves as the cornerstone for anyone involved in domestic work in Kenya. We will cover the legalities, the financial standards, and the cultural nuances that make a household successful.
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| House Help in Kenya: The 2026 Definitive Guide for Employers and Workers |
1. What is the Legal Definition of Domestic Work in Kenya?
According to the Employment Act of Kenya, a domestic worker (often referred to locally as a house help, nanny, or housekeeper) is any person employed to perform domestic work within a household.
This includes:
Housekeeping: Cleaning, laundry, and general home maintenance.
Childcare: Nannies and specialized baby-care providers.
Cooking: Private chefs or general meal preparation.
Specialized Care: Gardeners and caregivers for the elderly or persons with disabilities.
Understanding this definition is the first step toward professionalism. In the eyes of the law, the "home" is a workplace, and the domestic worker is a formal employee with specific rights and protections.
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2. Salary Standards for House Help in Kenya (2026)
One of the most searched questions is: "How much should I pay my house help?" In Kenya, salary standards vary significantly based on location, the scope of work, and live-in vs. live-out arrangements.
The Minimum Wage Regulation
The Kenyan government sets a statutory minimum wage for domestic workers, which is updated periodically in the Regulation of Wages Order. As of 2025/2026, the rates are categorized by location:
Cities (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu): These areas have the highest minimum wage due to the high cost of living. Currently, the basic minimum wage for a domestic worker in these cities is approximately Ksh 15,200 to Ksh 16,000 per month (excluding housing allowances).
Other Municipalities & Townships: Rates are slightly lower, typically ranging between Ksh 13,000 and Ksh 14,500.
Rural Areas: While often lower in practice, the legal floor remains a protection for all workers.
Market Rates vs. Legal Minimum
While the law sets a floor, many employers in the "Village" pay based on experience. A specialized nanny with First Aid training or experience in high-end households can earn between Ksh 20,000 and Ksh 35,000.
3. Legal Requirements: SHA, NSSF, and ID Verification
To avoid "Redirect Errors" in your household management, you must ensure your help is legally compliant. In 2026, the requirements have shifted from the old NHIF system to the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
Social Health Authority (SHA)
Registration for SHA is mandatory for all Kenyans. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that 2.75% of the worker’s gross salary is remitted to SHA. This ensures the worker has access to medical care, which protects your household from sudden medical emergencies.
National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
The NSSF is the worker’s retirement "Village." Under the NSSF Act, both the employer and the employee contribute to this fund. It is your legal duty to register your house help and make monthly contributions. Failure to do so can lead to heavy penalties from the Ministry of Labour.
ID Copies and Personal Documentation
Never hire without:
A clear copy of the National ID: Verify this through your local sub-chief or a police abstract if necessary.
Next of Kin details: You must know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Certificate of Good Conduct: While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended for security.
4. How to Conduct a Thorough Background Check
Security is the heartbeat of the House Girls Village. Before bringing a stranger into your home, follow this 3-step verification process:
The "Referral Call": Don't just read a recommendation letter; call the previous employer. Ask specific questions: "How did she handle emergencies?" and "Why did she leave your employment?"
Village Vetting: If the worker is from a rural area, a call to the local sub-chief or village elder can provide peace of mind.
The Professional Agency Route: If you use an agency, ensure they are registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA). Ask for their vetting policy.
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5. Managing the Relationship: The "Village" Culture
Successful household management is 20% contract and 80% communication. The most successful employers in Kenya treat their help with a balance of authority and empathy.
The Employment Contract
Even if you are hiring a distant relative, a written contract is essential. It should detail:
Work hours and rest days.
Specific duties (e.g., "No washing the car").
Notice period for termination.
Leave days (21 days of annual leave is the legal standard).
The Village Mindset
In Kenya, we say "It takes a village to raise a child." Your house help is a key member of that village. Foster an environment where the worker feels safe to report a broken appliance or a sick child. When the worker feels valued, they become a protector of the home rather than just a laborer.
6. Where to Find Reliable House Help in Kenya
Depending on your needs, there are three main avenues for hiring:
Word of Mouth: Still the most popular method in Kenya. Ask friends, family, or church members.
Bureaus/Agencies: Professional bureaus handle the vetting for you, though they charge a placement fee (usually equivalent to half or a full month's salary).
Online Platforms: Modern sites like House Girls Village allow you to browse verified profiles and read reviews from other employers.
7. Termination and Departure
The end of an employment relationship should be as professional as the beginning. Ensure you:
Provide the required notice (usually one month) or pay in lieu of notice.
Pay all accrued leave days.
Provide a Certificate of Service, which helps the worker secure their next role.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Home’s Peace
Navigating the world of house help in Kenya doesn't have to be a source of drama. By following the legal standards, paying fairly, and maintaining clear communication, you create a stable environment for your family.
Remember, a happy house help is the secret ingredient to a successful Kenyan professional life. Let’s build better homes together in the Village.
Are you looking for more specialized advice? Read our related guides:
About the Author
House Girls Village & BureauDomestic Staff Placement Experts in Kenya
This article was written by the team at House Girls Village & Bureau, a domestic staff placement bureau based in Kenya. With hands-on experience in recruiting, training, and placing house helps for Kenyan households, we work closely with both employers and domestic workers to ensure fair, safe, and professional placements. Our daily work involves screening candidates, advising families, resolving placement issues, and promoting ethical domestic employment practices.
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