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Life as a Househelp in Kenya: What They Wish Employees Knew
Overview
It was 6:00 a.m. when Mary, a live-in domestic worker in Nairobi, quietly slipped out of her small servant’s quarter to start the day. She boiled water, prepared breakfast for the children, and ironed clothes before the family woke up. For many, life as a househelp in Kenya is an unseen balancing act part care-giver, part organizer, part cleaner, and sometimes, part therapist. Yet, there are things about life as a househelp and what they wish employees knew that rarely make it into polite conversation.
In fact, life as a househelp and what they wish employees knew often involves silent struggles and unspoken hopes. Whether you’re hiring a babysitter, nanny, maid, domestic worker, dayburg, or house manager, understanding their perspective can improve trust, performance, and overall harmony in your home. And life as a househelp and what they wish employees knew isn’t just about hardship it’s about mutual respect and building lasting working relationships.
What They Wish Employees Knew
A Typical Day of a househelp
For most live-in househelps, the day starts before sunrise and ends well after everyone else has gone to bed. A babysitter may work late into the night to ensure the children are safe. A nanny might have to wake up multiple times if a baby cries. Maids often stay on their feet for hours, juggling chores with constant requests. While employers enjoy clean homes and well-kept families, househelps silently wish their long hours were recognized and appreciated.
They Want Clear Expectations
A domestic worker’s role can be broad sometimes too broad. One week they’re told to focus on cleaning; the next, they’re asked to run errands, manage the kitchen, and take care of pets. A house manager might be suddenly tasked with overseeing repairs or organizing family events. Househelps wish employees could clearly outline duties from the start, to avoid confusion and stress.
Respect Is More Valuable Than Salary Alone
While pay is crucial, respect is the true currency. Many househelps say they can handle tough work if treated with dignity. Being spoken to kindly, given privacy, and allowed rest days matters more than expensive gifts. Even a simple “thank you” at the end of the day can make a world of difference to a dayburg who feels invisible.
They Notice How They’re Trusted Or Not
Trust is a cornerstone of a healthy employer-househelp relationship. Being constantly monitored, restricted from certain rooms, or suspected of wrongdoing without evidence breeds resentment. On the flip side, giving a nanny the house keys or trusting a maid with your children sends a message of confidence that encourages loyalty and care.
The Weight of Homesickness
For many, life as a live-in househelp means living away from family sometimes for months or even years. They miss birthdays, school events, and family milestones. Employers who allow them to occasionally visit home, or at least make a phone call during work breaks, win lifelong loyalty.
Training Makes Them Better
Househelps are often thrown into jobs with no orientation. But imagine how much better a maid could clean with the right tools and guidance, or how a babysitter could handle emergencies with basic first-aid training. Househelps wish employers would invest in their skills it’s a win-win for both sides.
They Value Privacy Too
Just because they work in your home doesn’t mean they don’t need personal space. A small, clean sleeping area, time to themselves during off-hours, and freedom to make phone calls without being watched go a long way toward keeping morale high.
Mutual Respect Leads to Long-Term Commitment
Employers who treat househelps fairly rarely have to deal with frequent turnover. In Nairobi’s competitive domestic job market, a good house manager or dayburg is worth keeping—and they will often go above and beyond for employers who treat them well.
Where to Get Reliable Househelp Through Thoonjo Errands
Finding the right baby sitter, nanny, maid, domestic worker, or house manager can be overwhelming, but platforms like Thoonjo Errands have simplified the process. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth alone, Thoonjo Errands connects you with vetted and trustworthy live-in or dayburg househelps.
How to Get a Househelp Through Thoonjo Errands
Visit the Website – Go to thoonjoerrands.com.
Browse Categories – Select whether you need a baby sitter, nanny, maid, or house manager.
Check Profiles – View available domestic worker profiles, including skills, experience, and availability.
Book an Interview – Arrange to meet or speak to the candidate before making a decision.
Confirm & Start – Once satisfied, confirm the booking and begin the working arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
All househelps on the platform are vetted, with background checks and references verified.
Yes, Thoonjo Errands allows you to choose between live-in and dayburg (daytime) workers.
Many have prior experience and basic training in childcare, cleaning, and cooking.
Yes, urgent bookings are available depending on candidate availability.
