How to Hire a House Help in Kenya: Legal Process, Costs, and Safety Tips (Complete Guide)

 

Introduction

Hiring a house help in Kenya is common for many households, especially in urban areas where work schedules are demanding. However, the process involves more than simply agreeing on wages and duties. Kenyan labor laws, safety concerns, and ethical employment practices make it important for employers to follow the right steps.

This guide explains how to hire a house help in Kenya legally and safely, including the required documents, average costs, and practical safety tips. It is written for first-time employers and those seeking to improve their hiring process while complying with Kenyan law.

Learn how to hire a house help in Kenya legally and safely. This complete guide covers costs, contracts, labor laws, and safety tips

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Understanding Domestic Work in Kenya

Domestic workers, often referred to as house helps, are legally recognized employees under Kenyan labor laws. Their roles may include:

• House cleaning

• Cooking

• Laundry

• Childcare

• Elderly care

• Gardening or compound maintenance

Domestic work is regulated to protect both employers and workers, ensuring fair treatment, safety, and clarity of responsibilities.

Read: LATEST: Ten {10} Bureaus in Nairobi Offering House Girls | Nannies | House Helps

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Legal Framework Governing House Helps in Kenya

1. Employment Act, 2007

The Employment Act governs all employment relationships in Kenya, including domestic work. It outlines:

• Minimum wage requirements

• Working hours and rest days

• Termination procedures

• Employee rights and employer obligations

2. Regulation of Wages (General) Order

This regulation sets minimum wages for domestic workers depending on location (urban or rural) and job description.

3. National Social Security Fund (NSSF)

Employers are required to register domestic workers for NSSF contributions, even if the worker is live-in.

4. National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)

NHIF registration is recommended to ensure access to healthcare, especially for long-term employment.

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Step-by-Step Process of Hiring a House Help in Kenya

Step 1: Identify Your Household Needs

Before hiring, clearly define:

• Type of work required

• Live-in or live-out arrangement

• Working hours

• Skills needed (childcare, cooking, elderly care)

This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings later.

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Step 2: Choose a Hiring Method

There are three common ways to hire a house help in Kenya:

a) Personal Referrals

Hiring through family or friends is common but may lack formal screening.

b) Local Community Search

Village or neighborhood searches are affordable but require extra verification.

c) Registered Domestic Placement Bureaus

These agencies may offer screening support, though employers should still conduct independent checks.

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Step 3: Verify Identity and Documents

Always request and verify the following:

• National ID card (original and copy)

• Passport-size photos

• Referee contacts

• Previous employer references

If possible, confirm identity through local administration offices.

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Step 4: Conduct an Interview

An interview helps assess:

• Experience and skills

• Communication ability

• Attitude and expectations

• Understanding of duties

Ask practical questions related to daily household tasks rather than theoretical ones.

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Employment Contract: Why It Is Important

A written contract protects both parties and is recommended under Kenyan law.

What a Domestic Work Contract Should Include

• Full names and ID numbers

• Job description

• Salary and payment schedule

• Working hours

• Rest days

• Leave entitlement

• Notice period

• Termination conditions

Both parties should sign and keep a copy.

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How Much Does It Cost to Hire a House Help in Kenya?

1. Salary Ranges (Approximate)

Salaries vary based on location, experience, and responsibilities:

• Urban areas: KSh 8,000 – KSh 15,000

• Rural areas: KSh 6,000 – KSh 10,000

• Specialized roles (nanny, caregiver): KSh 12,000 – KSh 25,000

Employers must ensure wages meet or exceed the legal minimum.

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2. Statutory Contributions

• NSSF: Mandatory monthly contribution

• SHA: Recommended for healthcare access

These costs are part of responsible employment.

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3. Additional Costs

• Uniforms (optional)

• Meals for live-in workers

• Medical checkups (recommended)

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Working Hours, Leave, and Rest Days

Working Hours

Domestic workers should have reasonable working hours with breaks. Excessive working hours without rest may violate labor laws.

Weekly Rest Day

At least one rest day per week is required.

Annual Leave

House helps are entitled to paid annual leave after completing a year of service, as outlined in the Employment Act.

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Safety Tips for Employers

Hiring a house help involves trust. These safety measures help protect households:

1. Conduct Background Checks

• Speak to referees

• Confirm past employment

• Verify identity documents

2. Start With a Trial Period

A trial period of 1–3 months allows both parties to assess compatibility.

3. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information

Limit access to personal documents, passwords, and valuables during the early stages.

4. Maintain Clear Boundaries

Clear job descriptions reduce conflicts and misunderstandings.

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Safety Tips for House Helps

A safe working environment benefits both parties.

• Provide decent accommodation for live-in workers

• Ensure respectful communication

• Avoid excessive workload

• Allow access to medical care when needed

Ethical treatment improves trust and long-term employment stability.

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Termination and Notice Requirements

Employment may end due to resignation, misconduct, or redundancy.

Legal Termination Guidelines

• Provide notice as stated in the contract

• Pay all dues, including pending salary and leave

• Issue a certificate of service upon request

Unlawful termination may lead to legal disputes.

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Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid

• Hiring without verifying documents

• Paying below minimum wage

• Failing to register NSSF

• No written contract

• Ignoring rest days and leave

Avoiding these mistakes ensures compliance and peaceful employment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it legal to hire a house help without a contract?

A written contract is strongly recommended and supported by Kenyan labor laws.

Must I register my house help with NSSF?

Yes. Domestic workers are eligible for NSSF contributions.

Can I deduct food and accommodation from salary?

Deductions must be reasonable and clearly stated in the contract.

What age is legal for domestic work in Kenya?

The legal working age is 18 years and above.

How long is a reasonable probation period?

One to three months is common for domestic employment.

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Why This Guide Matters

Hiring a house help is not just a personal arrangement—it is a legal employment relationship. Understanding the correct process protects households from disputes, legal penalties, and safety risks while ensuring fair treatment of workers.

By following Kenyan labor laws, maintaining clear agreements, and prioritizing safety, employers can build long-term, respectful, and reliable domestic work arrangements.

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Final Thoughts

Hiring a house help in Kenya requires planning, legal awareness, and responsibility. This guide provides a practical framework to help employers make informed decisions while respecting the rights and dignity of domestic workers.

A transparent and lawful approach benefits both the employer and the worker, creating a stable and trustworthy household environment.

Read Related: How to Verify a House Help Before Hiring in Kenya (Step-by-Step Guide)

About the Author

House Girls Village & Bureau
Domestic 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.