House Helps in Kenya: 20 Frequently Asked Questions Every Employer and Worker Should Know
House helps play a vital role in many Kenyan households. From childcare and cooking to cleaning and caregiving, domestic workers support families while earning a livelihood. Despite this, many questions remain unanswered—about pay, legal rights, expectations, and responsibilities.
This FAQ guide addresses the most commonly searched questions about house helps in Kenya, offering clear, general, and practical answers for employers, workers, and trainers. It is designed to promote fair treatment, legal awareness, and peaceful working relationships.
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Frequently Asked Questions About House Helps in Kenya
1. Who is considered a house help in Kenya?
A house help is a person employed to perform domestic duties such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, laundry, or caregiving within a private household. This includes house girls, nannies, and caregivers.
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| House Helps hold a discussion during a training session in Nairobi. |
2. Is domestic work legal in Kenya?
Yes. Domestic work is legal and recognized under Kenyan labour laws. House helps are considered workers and are entitled to basic labour protections, even though they work in private homes.
3. What is the minimum wage for house helps in Kenya?
Minimum wage varies depending on location (urban or rural) and government wage orders. Employers are encouraged to follow the current Regulation of Wages (General) Order and pay at or above the recommended rate.
4. Should a house help be paid monthly or weekly?
Most house helps in Kenya are paid monthly, but weekly or bi-weekly payment may be agreed upon. What matters most is consistency and honoring the agreed payment schedule.
5. Are house helps entitled to rest days?
Yes. House helps should have at least one rest day per week. This promotes health, productivity, and a respectful working relationship.
6. Is a written agreement necessary when hiring a house help?
While many households rely on verbal agreements, a simple written agreement is highly recommended. It helps clarify duties, pay, rest days, and notice periods, reducing future misunderstandings.
7. What duties should a house help perform?
Duties depend on the agreement between employer and worker. Tasks should be reasonable, clearly defined, and within what was discussed during hiring. Adding duties without discussion often causes conflict.
8. What is the difference between a house girl and a nanny?
A house girl typically handles general household chores, while a nanny focuses mainly on childcare. In practice, some roles overlap, but clarity helps avoid unrealistic expectations.
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9. Can an employer ask a house help to live in?
Yes, but living-in should be agreed upon before hiring. Employers should provide decent accommodation, privacy, and clear boundaries for live-in house helps.
10. Are house helps entitled to leave?
Yes. House helps are entitled to reasonable time off, including annual leave after continuous service. Leave terms should be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
11. What documents should a house help have?
Common documents include a national ID, references, and sometimes a letter from local authorities. These help build trust and protect both the employer and the worker.
12. Can an employer terminate a house help immediately?
Termination should follow agreed notice terms unless there is serious misconduct. Respectful and lawful termination protects dignity and reduces disputes.
13. What rights do house helps have in Kenya?
House helps have the right to fair pay, rest, respectful treatment, a safe working environment, and freedom from abuse or exploitation.
14. What should a house help do if mistreated?
A house help should seek help from trusted family members, local leaders, labour offices, or recognized support organizations. Silence often worsens the situation.
15. Can a house help improve their skills?
Yes. Training in childcare, cooking, hygiene, and communication improves professionalism and earning potential. Employers and trainers are encouraged to support skill development.
16. Should employers register house helps for social security?
Where possible, employers are encouraged to support social protection contributions. This helps provide long-term security for domestic workers.
17. Are agencies allowed to place house helps?
Yes, legitimate agencies and bureaus can help match employers with workers. Employers should verify agencies to avoid scams or exploitation.
18. How can conflicts between employers and house helps be avoided?
Clear communication, respect, written expectations, and timely payment are the most effective ways to prevent conflict.
19. Is childcare a specialized role?
Yes. Caring for children requires patience, responsibility, and trust. Families seeking nannies should prioritize character, experience, and training.
20. Why is respect important in domestic work?
Respect builds trust, loyalty, and stability. Homes that treat house helps with dignity experience fewer problems and longer working relationships.
Final Thoughts
Understanding domestic work is essential for building safe homes and fair employment relationships. When employers, house helps, and trainers share knowledge and respect, everyone benefits.
This guide aims to promote awareness, fairness, and professionalism in domestic work across Kenya—today and in the years to come.
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Contact Us on WhatsAppAbout 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.
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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