Most people in Kenya do not take the task of employing a nanny seriously and will offer ‘casual’ kind of employment to the first person that comes along. It is important to take due diligence as this person will be taking care of your most important wealth and treasure – your children.
According to the Kenyan Law, The Employment Act 2007 provides that:
1. An employer shall pay the entire amount of the wages earned by or payable to an employee in respect of work done by the employee. It is important to pay your nanny a good wage to ensure that she is motivated to care for your little one. Minimum wage is revised every year by the Ministry of Labour and should be reflected accordingly. You should also consider the necessary statutory deductions, e.g. NHIF, NSSF.
2. Weekly rest day – Every employee shall be entitled to at least one rest day in every period of seven days.
3. Give your nanny annual Leave as laid out in the Kenyan law
4. The Law states that ‘Every employer shall at all times, at his own expense provide reasonable housing accommodation for each of his employees either at or near to the place of employment, or shall pay to the employee such sufficient sum, as rent, in addition to his wages or salary, as will enable the employee to obtain reasonable accommodation’.
5. Give your nanny food and water. As stipulated in the Kenyan law, ‘Every employer shall, where the provision of food has been expressly agreed to in or at the time of entering into a contract of service, ensure that every employee is properly fed and supplied with sufficient and proper cooking utensils and means of cooking, at the employer’s expense’
6. Carry out the necessary background information of your nanny. Ask for a certificate of good conduct, National ID, any copies of academic achievement, references and recommendation and if possible get information about where they come from.
7. Give a well laid out contract to your nanny, with details of what you expect and what he/she should expect from you
8. Set up a communication channel that ensures that your nanny understands your expectations and vice versa.
Reginald Mengi
