In Nairobi, hiring domestic help is common. Expats, families, and even young professionals use part-time or full-time help. The key is knowing where to look and how to hire responsibly.

Here’s what you need to know.

First: decide what kind of help you need

Be clear before you start searching.

Do you need:

  • A part-time cleaner (1–3 days per week)?

  • A full-time live-out housekeeper?

  • A live-in nanny?

  • A cook?

  • A combination of cleaning and childcare?

Your needs will determine where you search and how much you pay.

If you’re staying in one of our furnished and serviced apartments in Nairobi, you may not need full-time help. Serviced apartments already handle maintenance, security, and often cleaning. Many guests only hire part-time cleaning support.

Keep it simple at first. You can always increase hours later.

Option 1: Referrals (the most reliable method)

In Nairobi, referrals work best.

Ask:

  • Neighbors in your building

  • Colleagues

  • Other expats

  • Security guards or building management

If you’re living in our apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, Kileleshwa, or Riverside, start within your building community.

Referrals reduce risk. You hire someone already trusted.

Option 2: Agencies

Domestic worker agencies operate across Nairobi.

They:

  • Pre-screen candidates

  • Conduct background checks

  • Handle replacements if needed

Agency placement fees vary. Some charge a one-time fee. Others add a percentage to monthly salary.

Agencies cost more upfront. But they reduce uncertainty.

If you’re new to Kenya and unsure about hiring laws or contracts, agencies can simplify the process.

Option 3: Online platforms and Facebook groups

You’ll find many Nairobi-based Facebook groups where domestic workers advertise their services.

You’ll also find classified sites listing:

  • Housekeepers

  • Nannies

  • Cooks

  • Drivers

Be careful here. Always:

  • Ask for ID

  • Check references

  • Meet in person before hiring

Don’t skip interviews. Even for part-time cleaning.

How much does domestic help cost in Nairobi?

Here are realistic monthly salary ranges:

Part-time cleaner (1–3 days per week)

  • KES 1,000–2,000 per day

  • Monthly equivalent: KES 8,000–15,000

Full-time live-out housekeeper

  • KES 15,000–25,000 per month

Full-time live-in housekeeper

  • KES 18,000–30,000 per month

  • You provide accommodation and meals

Nanny (live-out)

  • KES 18,000–35,000 per month

Nanny (live-in)

  • KES 25,000–45,000 per month

Salaries depend on:

  • Experience

  • English proficiency

  • Cooking skills

  • Childcare training

  • Location

Homes in Westlands, Riverside, Lavington, and Kilimani often pay on the higher end.

Understand Kenyan employment rules

Even for domestic help, you’re considered an employer.

That means:

  • Agree on working hours

  • Provide rest days

  • Clarify salary payment schedule

  • Discuss public holidays

Most employers pay monthly via M-Pesa.

Keep communication clear. Put expectations in writing. It avoids confusion later.

Interview properly

Don’t rush this.

During the interview:

  • Ask about previous jobs

  • Request references and call them

  • Discuss daily tasks clearly

  • Set boundaries from day one

If hiring a nanny, ask about:

  • First aid training

  • Experience with children’s ages

  • Discipline approach

Be specific.

“Clean the house” is vague.
“Clean kitchen daily, laundry twice weekly, deep clean every Friday” is clear.

Clarity prevents conflict.

Trial period matters

Always start with a trial period. Two to four weeks works well.

Use this time to assess:

  • Punctuality

  • Honesty

  • Attention to detail

  • Communication

If it doesn’t work, end it early and respectfully.

Safety considerations

Security is important in Nairobi.

If you live in a gated apartment building, security will often require domestic staff to register at the gate.

Keep:

  • A copy of their ID

  • Emergency contact details

Trust takes time. Don’t hand over full household control on day one.

Transportation for domestic help

Consider how your housekeeper or nanny will commute.

If you live in central neighborhoods like Kilimani or Westlands, public transport access is easier.

If you’re in a quieter residential area like Lavington or Riverside, discuss transport costs clearly.

Some employers:

  • Add a small transport allowance

  • Adjust working hours to avoid late travel

If you require someone to run errands or school drop-offs, having a vehicle helps. You can arrange one through our car hire in Nairobi service for flexibility.

Live-in vs live-out: what works better?

Live-out works well if:

  • You value privacy

  • You don’t need help outside work hours

Live-in works better if:

  • You have young children

  • You travel often

  • You need early morning support

If you’re staying in a serviced apartment, live-out usually makes more sense. Space is optimized, and many services are already handled.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Hiring without checking references

  • Avoiding salary discussions

  • Paying below market rate

  • Changing responsibilities constantly

  • Ignoring clear boundaries

Respect builds loyalty. Many domestic workers stay with families for years when treated fairly.

Do you actually need domestic help?

If you’re staying short-term in one of our furnished and serviced apartments in Nairobi, you may not need full-time help at all.

Serviced apartments reduce daily workload:

  • Maintenance is handled

  • Security is managed

  • Furnishings are provided

Many residents only hire a cleaner once or twice a week.

Start small. Adjust as your schedule becomes clearer.

Final thoughts

Finding domestic help in Nairobi isn’t difficult. But hiring the right person takes effort.

Use referrals when possible.
Be clear about tasks and salary.
Start with a trial period.
Communicate directly.

And remember, your living setup affects how much help you need.

If you base yourself in one of our apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, Riverside, or Kileleshwa, you’ll already have many services covered. That makes managing your home simpler from day one.