Getting a job as a house help is an exciting opportunity, but accepting an offer without asking the right questions can lead to misunderstandings, disappointment, or even exploitation.
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| A house help and employer discuss job duties, salary, working hours, and employment terms before agreeing to a domestic work arrangement in Kenya. |
At House Girls Village & Bureau, we have worked with both employers and domestic workers for many years. One common mistake we see is workers accepting jobs simply because they need employment urgently. Unfortunately, they later discover that the workload, salary, or working conditions are very different from what they expected.
Whether you are applying for a job as a house help, nanny, caregiver, cook, or cleaner, asking a few important questions before accepting a position can help you make an informed decision.
This guide explains the most important questions every domestic worker in Kenya should ask before saying "yes" to a job offer.
Why Asking Questions Is Important
Many domestic workers feel shy about asking employers questions because they fear losing the opportunity.
However, a professional employer will appreciate someone who wants to understand the job clearly. Asking questions protects both the employer and the employee by ensuring everyone has the same expectations from the beginning.
1. What Exactly Will My Duties Be?
This should always be your first question.
Do not assume that every house help performs the same tasks. Responsibilities vary from one household to another.
Ask whether you will be expected to:
- Clean the house
- Cook meals
- Wash clothes
- Iron
- Care for children
- Care for an elderly person
- Look after pets
- Run household errands
Knowing your responsibilities early helps you determine whether the job matches your skills and experience.
2. What Is the Monthly Salary?
Never begin work without knowing your agreed salary.
Ask:
- How much will I earn every month?
- When will I be paid?
- Will payment be through M-Pesa, bank transfer or cash?
- Are there any deductions?
- Is overtime paid if required?
If the employer says, "We'll discuss salary later," request that it be agreed upon before your first working day.
3. Is the Job Live-In or Live-Out?
This is one of the biggest differences between domestic jobs.
For a live-in position, ask:
- Will I have my own room?
- Will meals be provided?
- Can I have reasonable privacy?
For a live-out position, ask:
- Are transport costs considered?
- What time should I report?
- What time will I leave?
These details affect both your expenses and your daily routine.
4. What Are My Working Hours?
Working hours should be clear before you accept the job.
Ask questions such as:
- What time do I start work?
- What time do I finish?
- Am I expected to work at night?
- What happens if visitors stay late?
Most families occasionally need flexibility, but your normal working schedule should be understood from the beginning.
5. Will I Have a Weekly Rest Day?
Everyone needs time to rest.
Ask whether you will have:
- One full day off every week
- A fixed day or a flexible arrangement
- Time to attend church or personal commitments if agreed
A regular rest day helps prevent burnout and supports your physical and mental well-being.
6. How Many People Live in the House?
A salary that seems fair for a family of three may not be reasonable for a household of ten.
Ask:
- How many adults live in the house?
- How many children are there?
- Are there elderly family members who need assistance?
- Are there frequent guests?
Understanding the size of the household gives you a realistic picture of the workload.
7. Are There Any Special Responsibilities?
Some domestic jobs require additional skills.
Ask whether you will be expected to:
- Administer medication to an elderly person
- Care for a newborn baby
- Assist a person living with a disability
- Prepare special meals
- Operate household appliances you may not have used before
If special training is required, discuss this before accepting the position.
8. What Leave and Time Off Will I Receive?
Many workers forget to ask about leave until months later.
Before starting, ask about:
- Annual leave
- Public holidays
- Sick leave arrangements
- Compassionate leave in emergencies
Understanding these arrangements early helps avoid future disagreements.
9. Will There Be a Written Agreement or Clear Job Terms?
Not every household prepares a formal employment contract, but there should at least be a clear agreement covering:
- Salary
- Duties
- Working hours
- Rest days
- Accommodation (if live-in)
- Notice period if either party wishes to end the employment
Having clear terms protects both you and the employer.
10. Who Should I Speak to If a Problem Arises?
Misunderstandings can happen in any workplace.
Ask:
- Who will supervise my work?
- If I have a concern, who should I talk to?
- If I was placed through a bureau, should I contact the bureau if serious issues arise?
Knowing the proper communication channel makes it easier to resolve problems professionally.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if an employer:
- Refuses to discuss salary.
- Keeps changing the duties during the interview.
- Expects you to work every day without rest.
- Is unwilling to explain working hours.
- Wants you to start immediately without discussing basic terms.
- Becomes angry when you ask reasonable questions.
- Makes promises without giving clear answers.
These may indicate future problems.
Tips for House Helps Attending Job Interviews
Before attending an interview:
- Dress neatly and professionally.
- Arrive on time.
- Carry your identification documents if requested.
- Be honest about your experience.
- Ask your questions respectfully.
- Avoid accepting a job under pressure without understanding the terms.
Remember, an interview is not only for the employer to assess you—it is also your opportunity to assess whether the job is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can asking too many questions make me lose the job?
No. Reasonable questions show that you are serious and professional. Most employers appreciate workers who want to understand their responsibilities clearly.
Should I ask about salary during the interview?
Yes. Salary should be discussed before you accept the job so that both parties have clear expectations.
Is a written contract necessary?
While some households use verbal agreements, having written or clearly documented terms is strongly recommended. It helps prevent misunderstandings.
What if the employer changes the duties after I start working?
Speak with the employer respectfully and explain your concerns. If you were placed through a recruitment bureau, inform the bureau so they can help mediate where appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Accepting a domestic job is an important decision. Taking a few minutes to ask the right questions can save you from months of stress and uncertainty.
A good employer will respect your willingness to understand the role, just as a professional domestic worker should be willing to understand the employer's expectations. Clear communication from the beginning builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and creates a better working relationship for everyone.
At House Girls Village & Bureau, we encourage both employers and domestic workers to discuss salary, duties, working hours, accommodation, rest days, and leave before employment begins. When expectations are clear, placements are more successful, and both families and workers benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Always understand your duties before accepting a job.
- Agree on salary, payment method, and pay date in advance.
- Clarify whether the position is live-in or live-out.
- Ask about working hours and weekly rest days.
- Understand the size of the household and any special responsibilities.
- Discuss leave, time off, and job terms before starting work.
- Be cautious of employers who avoid answering reasonable questions.
- Good communication before employment leads to more successful and long-lasting working relationships.
Related Articles
If you found this guide helpful, you may also be interested in these practical resources for domestic workers and employers:
1.House Help Rights, Salaries and Employment Rules in Kenya: 20 Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're accepting your first job or have years of experience, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a domestic worker. This comprehensive guide answers common questions about salaries, contracts, working hours, annual leave, notice periods, and employment rules to help both workers and employers build fair, professional working relationships.
Read more: House Help Rights, Salaries and Employment Rules in Kenya: 20 Frequently Asked Questions
2. House Help Annual Leave in Kenya: What Every Employer and Domestic Worker Should Know
Learn about annual leave entitlement, when leave should be taken, whether it is paid, and the rights and responsibilities of both employers and domestic workers.
Read more: House Help Annual Leave in Kenya: What Every Employer and Domestic Worker Should Know
3. Looking for extra motivation in your domestic work journey? Every successful house help started somewhere. Whether you're preparing for your first job or building a long-term career, the right mindset can make all the difference. Read our collection of 10 Motivational Quotes Every House Help Should Read for encouragement, confidence, and inspiration to stay focused on your goals and grow professionally.
Read here: 10 Motivational Quotes Every House Help in Kenya Should Live By (And the Lessons Behind Them)
4 How Much Does It Cost to Hire a House Help in Kenya? (Latest Salary & Agency Fees Guide)
If you're applying through a recruitment bureau or speaking with a prospective employer, understanding the costs involved can help you appreciate how professional placements work and why clear agreements benefit both parties.
Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a House Help in Kenya?
About the Author: This article was written by a domestic employment specialist at House Girls Village & Bureau with over 10 years of experience in Kenya's household staffing industry. Drawing from extensive experience in recruiting, training, and placing house helps, nannies, caregivers, and cleaners, the author provides practical, experience-based guidance to help domestic workers and employers make informed employment decisions. Read More: House Girls Village
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