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Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Househelp in Nairobi
Introduction
It was a busy Tuesday morning in Nairobi when Jane realized she could no longer juggle her career, two energetic toddlers, and the endless pile of laundry. Like many Nairobians, she decided to hire a househelp but not before doing her homework. She knew the key to finding the right fit was asking the right questions. In this guide, we’ll explore the important questions to ask before hiring a househelp in Nairobi questions that could save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re looking for a babysitter, nanny, maid, domestic worker, dayburg, or even a full-time house manager, these questions will guide you to the perfect choice.
In fact, the important questions to ask before hiring a househelp in Nairobi go beyond just “Can you cook?” or “Do you like children?” They touch on trust, skills, and adaptability. If you want peace of mind, make sure the important questions to ask before hiring a househelp in Nairobi are thorough and tailored to your household needs.
Important Questions
1. What’s Your Previous Experience?
Start with the basics. Ask about their past roles were they a babysitter for a young family in Westlands, a nanny for newborn twins in Karen, or a maid in a busy apartment in Kilimani? Experience tells you about their ability to handle situations similar to yours. If you need a domestic worker who can manage both children and housekeeping, make sure they have handled such responsibilities before.
2. Can You Provide References?
In Nairobi’s fast-paced domestic job market, references are gold. Speak to their former employers to verify their work ethic, honesty, and ability to follow instructions. A trusted dayburg or house manager will have no problem sharing contacts of satisfied clients.
3. What Are Your Working Hours and Flexibility
Some households need help only during the day, while others require a live-in arrangement. A maid might be available for fixed hours, while a nanny or babysitter might need to stay overnight occasionally. Make sure you both agree on working times, especially during holidays or emergencies.
4. How Do You Handle Emergencies?
Life happens children fall ill, power goes out, or unexpected guests arrive. Ask how they would respond in such situations. A proactive domestic worker who can think on their feet is a valuable asset in any Nairobi home.
5. Are You Comfortable with Specific Household Rules?
Every home has its unique culture. Maybe you don’t allow phone use during work hours, or you have dietary rules like no pork in the house. Bringing this up early avoids misunderstandings later.
6. Do You Have Specialized Skills?
Some househelps come with extra skills that make them even more valuable—like first aid training for a babysitter, cooking gourmet meals for a maid, or managing home budgets for a house manager. Highlighting these can help you decide if they’re the right fit.
7. Are You Comfortable with Pets?
In estates like Lavington or Runda, many households have pets. If you have a dog, cat, or even birds, make sure your domestic worker is comfortable around them.
8. How Do You Handle Confidentiality?
Househelps are privy to personal and sometimes sensitive information. A trustworthy domestic worker knows how to keep household matters private. This is especially crucial if you’re a public figure or run a business from home.
Where to Find Trusted Househelps in Nairobi
Finding reliable help in Nairobi is easier when you work with trusted platforms like Thoonjo Errand Runners. Thoonjo connects you with vetted babysitters, nannies, maids, domestic workers, dayburgs, and house managers. Every service provider undergoes a background check to ensure they meet high standards of trust and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment varies depending on experience, location, and responsibilities. On average, salaries range from KSh 8,000 to KSh 20,000 per month.
Yes, a written agreement helps clarify roles, payment, and working hours, reducing future misunderstandings.
Yes, platforms like Thoonjo Errand Runners allow you to find a vetted domestic worker quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Hiring the right househelp is more than filling a vacancy it’s finding someone who becomes part of your home. By asking the right questions and using reliable sources like Thoonjo Errand Runners, you can ensure you get a professional who understands your household needs. After all, peace of mind begins with preparation.
You May Also Like
1. Stress-free guide on hiring a reliable Househelp in Kenya
2. Top 10 Red flags to watch out for when interviewing domestic workers in Nairobi.
3. Life as a Househelp in Kenya: What they wish employers knew.
4. Why more Kenyan families are choosing dayburgs over Live-In Nannies.
