How to Get a Nanny Job in Nairobi Without Using an Agent

Finding a nanny job in Nairobi does not always require going through a recruitment agent or bureau.

Many nannies find jobs directly through friends, former employers, family referrals, community networks, online platforms and people they already know. For someone with good childcare experience and a reliable work history, direct job hunting can be a practical way of connecting with families looking for a nanny.

Nanny looking for a job in Nairobi without using an agent

A professional nanny preparing for a direct job search in Nairobi, highlighting CV preparation, referrals, interviews and safe communication with potential employers.

However, finding a job without an agent does not mean finding a job without a plan.

You still need to present yourself professionally, know where to look, communicate clearly with potential employers, verify that the opportunity is genuine and understand the terms of employment before accepting the position.

At House Girls Village & Bureau, we know that finding the right domestic worker is about more than simply matching a person with a vacancy. The family needs someone they can trust, while the worker also needs an employer who offers clear and fair working conditions.

Here is how a nanny in Nairobi can approach the job market directly.

Key Takeaways

You can find a nanny job in Nairobi without using an agent.
Previous employers, referrals, community networks and online platforms can help you find opportunities.
A simple professional CV can make you look more serious to potential employers.
Your references can be one of your strongest advantages when approaching families directly.
Always discuss salary, duties, working hours, rest days and other important conditions before accepting a job.
Be careful with fake job offers and people asking for money before giving you employment.
Going directly to an employer does not remove the need to verify the family and protect your personal safety.

Can You Get a Nanny Job in Nairobi Without an Agent?

Yes.

A nanny does not necessarily need to register with an agent before looking for employment.

In Nairobi, domestic workers often hear about opportunities through personal networks. A former employer may recommend them to another family. A friend may know of a family looking for a nanny. A church member, neighbour or relative may also know someone who needs childcare assistance.

Online networking has also changed the way domestic workers and employers connect.

The important thing is to approach the process professionally.

If you decide to look for a job directly, don't simply tell everyone, "I need a nanny job." Give people enough information to understand what kind of work you are looking for and what experience you have.

1. Know What Kind of Nanny Job You Want

Before starting your search, decide what type of nanny position suits you.

Not every nanny job is the same.

You might be looking for:

A live-in nanny position.
A live-out nanny position.
A nanny caring for a newborn or infant.
A nanny looking after toddlers.
A nanny for school-going children.
A nanny who also assists with light housework.
A nanny specialising in childcare and child development.
A caregiver or nanny position involving an older child or a person requiring additional care.

Knowing your preferred type of job makes your search more focused.

It also prevents you from accepting a position whose responsibilities are completely different from what you expected.

2. Prepare a Simple Nanny CV

You don't need an expensive or complicated CV to look professional.

A simple two-page CV can be enough.

Your CV should clearly show:

Your name and contact details.
Your location or preferred working area.
Your nanny or childcare experience.
The ages of children you have cared for.
Your main childcare responsibilities.
Relevant training or certificates.
First aid or childcare skills where applicable.
Previous employment history.
References, where appropriate.

For example, instead of simply writing "I worked as a nanny," you can explain what you actually did:

"Worked as a live-out nanny caring for two children aged 2 and 5. Responsibilities included preparing meals for the children, school preparation, school pick-up, bathing, play activities, laundry for the children and maintaining their daily routine."

This gives an employer a much clearer picture of your experience.

3. Use Your Previous Employers as References

If you have worked for a family before and left on good terms, your former employer can become one of your most valuable references.

A potential employer may feel more comfortable hiring you if they can speak to someone who has actually seen your work.

Before giving out someone's contact details, however, ask the former employer for permission.

You can simply say:

"I am looking for another nanny position. Would you be comfortable if I listed you as a reference and allowed a potential employer to contact you?"

A good reference can sometimes carry more weight than simply saying that you have many years of experience.

4. Tell People You Are Looking for a Job

One of the simplest ways to find domestic work without an agent is to make your network aware that you are available.

Speak to people you already know and trust.

These may include:

Former employers.
Former colleagues.
Friends.
Relatives.
Neighbours.
Church or community members.
People you have worked with previously.

Instead of saying only, "Please find me a job," be specific.

You could explain that you are an experienced nanny looking for a live-in or live-out position in Nairobi and mention the areas where you are able to work.

People are more likely to remember a clear request.

5. Look for Nanny Jobs Online

Online platforms can also provide opportunities for nannies who want to connect directly with employers.

Social media groups and job platforms may contain posts from families looking for domestic workers.

However, online job searching requires caution.

Do not assume that every person posting a nanny vacancy is a genuine employer.

Before travelling to meet someone, establish who you are communicating with and understand where the interview will take place.

You should also be particularly cautious if someone asks you to send money before you have been offered a genuine job.

For more ideas on finding domestic work online, see our guide on How to Find Good House Help Jobs Online.

6. Use WhatsApp Carefully

WhatsApp is widely used in Kenya for sharing information about employment opportunities.

A nanny may receive a message saying that a family is looking for someone immediately.

While some of these opportunities may be genuine, don't treat every forwarded WhatsApp message as a verified job.

Ask reasonable questions before agreeing to an interview.

Find out:

Where the job is located.
Whether it is live-in or live-out.
How many children you will care for.
The children's ages.
The main duties.
The expected working hours.
The salary range.
When and where the interview will take place.

A genuine employer should normally be able to explain the basic details of the job.

7. Search Within the Areas Where You Want to Work

Nairobi is a large employment market, but travelling across the city every day may not be practical for a live-out nanny.

If you want to work in areas such as Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, Runda, South B, Lavington, Kileleshwa or Kasarani, make that clear when networking.

Being specific can actually help your search.

For example:

"I am an experienced nanny looking for a live-out position around Kilimani, Kileleshwa or Lavington."

This is more useful than simply saying that you are looking for work anywhere in Nairobi.

8. Approach Potential Employers Professionally

If someone gives you the contact of a family looking for a nanny, don't send a message that only says, "Hi, I was told you need a nanny."

Introduce yourself properly.

A short message could include your experience, preferred type of job and availability.

For example:

"Hello. My name is Mary. I was given your contact by Jane, who mentioned that you may be looking for a nanny. I have four years of experience caring for children, including toddlers and school-going children. I am currently looking for a live-out nanny position in Nairobi and would be happy to discuss the opportunity with you."

A professional first message can make a strong impression.

9. Prepare for the Interview

Looking for a job directly does not mean you should accept the first offer you receive.

The interview is an opportunity for the employer to assess you, but it is also an opportunity for you to assess the employer.

Be prepared to answer questions about:

Your previous nanny experience.
The ages of children you have cared for.
How you handle difficult behaviour.
How you manage children's routines.
Meal preparation for children.
Safety and emergencies.
Your availability.
Your expected salary.

You should also ask questions of your own.

10. Ask the Employer Important Questions

Before accepting a nanny position, make sure you understand what the job involves.

Ask questions such as:

How many children will I be caring for?
How old are the children?
What are my main duties?
What time does the working day begin and end?
Is the position live-in or live-out?
What is the salary?
When will I be paid?
What are my rest days?
Are there additional household duties?
Does the family travel frequently?
What happens when the children are on school holidays?

These questions are not meant to make the worker difficult.

They help both sides understand what they are agreeing to.

11. Agree on Salary Before Starting

Salary should never be left vague.

Before reporting to work, the nanny and employer should agree on the expected pay and other important employment conditions.

Don't rely on statements such as "We will discuss the salary after you start."

It is better for both sides to know what has been agreed before employment begins.

If you want to understand the wider salary picture, read our guide on Nanny Salary in Nairobi by Estate.

12. Get the Employment Terms in Writing

A direct arrangement with a family should still be a professional employment arrangement.

Where possible, important employment terms should be put in writing.

This helps reduce misunderstandings about salary, duties, working hours, leave, rest days and other conditions.

A written agreement is not about creating distrust between the worker and employer.

It can actually protect the relationship because both parties know what was agreed.

13. Be Careful With Fake Nanny Jobs

One of the disadvantages of looking for work independently is that you may come across people pretending to be employers or recruiters.

Be particularly cautious when someone:

Promises unusually high pay for very little work.
Demands money before giving you the job.
Refuses to provide basic information about the position.
Pressures you to travel somewhere immediately.
Asks for sensitive personal information unnecessarily.
Changes the job description after you arrive.
Uses threats or pressure to make you accept the offer.

A legitimate job opportunity should give you enough information to make a reasonable decision.

14. Protect Yourself When Going for an Interview

Even if someone claims to be a genuine employer, take basic precautions when meeting a person you do not know.

Tell someone you trust where you are going and who you are meeting.

Where possible, make sure you have the person's contact information and know the general location of the interview before leaving.

If something about the situation feels unsafe or seriously different from what you were told, you do not have to proceed.

Getting a job is important, but your safety is more important.

15. Don't Hide Your Experience

Some nannies underestimate the value of their experience.

If you have spent several years caring for children, managing routines, preparing children's meals, assisting with schoolwork or handling infant care, those are skills worth explaining.

Likewise, if you have first-aid training, childcare training or experience with newborns, mention it.

The more clearly you communicate your skills, the easier it becomes for the right employer to recognise your value.

Can Avoiding an Agent Save You Money?

Potentially, direct recruitment can remove some recruitment-related costs that may otherwise be involved when using an intermediary.

But workers should not assume that every person asking for money is an agent or that every payment request is automatically legitimate.

The bigger advantage of finding a job directly is often direct communication between the worker and employer.

The two sides can discuss expectations themselves and decide whether they are a good match.

When Using a Reputable Bureau May Still Make Sense

Although this article focuses on finding a nanny job without an agent, it is important to be balanced.

Not every nanny will prefer to search independently.

A reputable domestic-worker bureau can sometimes help connect workers with families, provide a structured recruitment process and assist with matching based on experience, location and the family's requirements.

For a nanny who has struggled to find the right employer independently, a legitimate bureau can therefore still be an option.

The important thing is to understand who you are dealing with and what services are being offered.

What Makes a Nanny More Employable in Nairobi?

Finding a job directly becomes easier when you have something valuable to offer.

Some qualities that can make a nanny more competitive include:

Good childcare experience.
Reliability and punctuality.
Good communication.
Patience with children.
Basic first-aid knowledge.
Good hygiene and personal presentation.
Ability to follow household routines.
Respect for family privacy.
Positive references.
Willingness to learn.

Professionalism matters because families are not simply hiring someone to clean a house. A nanny may be entrusted with the family's children and given access to a private home.

Final Thoughts

Getting a nanny job in Nairobi without using an agent is possible.

You can use your previous employers, personal network, referrals, community connections, social media and online job opportunities to connect directly with families.

But don't make the mistake of thinking that direct recruitment means simply finding a phone number and accepting the first job offered.

Prepare a professional CV. Build good references. Be clear about the type of nanny job you want. Ask questions. Discuss salary and duties before starting. Make sure the employment terms are understood. And always take precautions when meeting a potential employer for the first time.

Most importantly, remember that recruitment works both ways.

The family is choosing a nanny, but the nanny is also choosing a family.

A successful domestic employment relationship should be based on trust, clear expectations, respect and good communication from the beginning.

At House Girls Village & Bureau, our goal remains simple: reliable people for reliable homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a nanny job in Nairobi without an agent?

Yes. Nannies can find opportunities directly through referrals, former employers, friends, community networks, social media and online job platforms. The worker should still verify the employer and understand the job terms before accepting.

Where can I find nanny jobs in Nairobi without an agent?

You can look through personal referrals, former employers, community networks, social media groups, online job platforms and people within your professional network.

Do I need a CV to get a nanny job?

A CV is not always required for domestic work, but having a simple professional CV can help you present your experience, skills, training and references clearly to potential employers.

Should I pay money to get a nanny job?

Be cautious about anyone who demands money while promising you a job. Before making any payment, understand exactly what the payment is for and verify the person or organisation involved.

What should I ask before accepting a nanny job?

Ask about the children's ages, duties, working hours, salary, rest days, whether the job is live-in or live-out, and any additional responsibilities. Clear expectations can prevent disagreements later.

Is it safer to use an agent than to find a nanny job directly?

Using a reputable bureau can provide a structured recruitment process, but direct recruitment can also be safe when the worker takes reasonable precautions. In either case, verify the opportunity and understand the employment terms before accepting.

Practical Direct-Job Checklist for Nannies

Before you start contacting families directly, use this checklist to make sure you are ready.

☐ Decide whether you want a live-in or live-out position.
☐ Identify the Nairobi areas where you are willing to work.
☐ Update your nanny CV with your latest experience.
☐ List the ages of children you have previously cared for.
☐ Identify at least one or two people who can provide a reference.
☐ Ask your references for permission before sharing their contacts.
☐ Decide the type of childcare work you are comfortable doing.
☐ Know your expected salary before attending interviews.
☐ Prepare a short professional message introducing yourself to potential employers.
☐ Keep your phone number available and check messages regularly.
☐ Ask for the job location before travelling for an interview.
☐ Ask about the children, duties, working hours and salary before accepting the job.
☐ Confirm whether there are additional household duties.
☐ Discuss rest days and other important employment terms.
☐ Be cautious if someone asks for money before giving you a job.
☐ Tell someone you trust where you are going when meeting a potential employer for the first time.
☐ Do not hand over sensitive personal information unnecessarily.
☐ Make sure you understand the employment arrangement before reporting to work.

Quick rule: If you cannot clearly explain what the job involves, where it is, how much it pays and what your main duties will be, you probably need more information before accepting the position.

Direct job hunting works best when you treat yourself like a professional applicant rather than simply someone looking for any available job.

House Girls Village