House Help Salary in Kenya (2026): Minimum Wage, Nanny Pay and How to Hire

Oct 13, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

A good house help or nanny makes a home run smoothly, and a fair arrangement keeps a good worker for years. This guide covers what the law says about pay in 2026, what employers usually add, and how to hire safely.

Quick answer: Under the 2026 wage order (effective 1 May 2026), the minimum monthly wage for domestic workers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret is KSh 18,047, up from KSh 16,113.75 under the 2024 order. A worker who does not live in your house is also due a housing allowance (15% of basic pay is the usual rule). Experienced nannies and live-out workers are often paid above the minimum. Check the latest Kenya Gazette notice or the Ministry of Labour for your area.

Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers

Item	2024 order	2026 order
Domestic worker, major cities (monthly basic)	KSh 16,113.75	KSh 18,047
Effective date	1 Nov 2024	1 May 2026

Figures for major cities as reported for the 2024 and 2026 wage orders. Rates differ for other towns and rural areas; confirm the current gazetted rate for your location.

What Else Employers Must Provide

Housing: either housing, or a housing allowance for a live-out worker.
Rest: at least one rest day a week.
Annual leave: paid leave after a year of service.
NSSF and SHA (health) contributions as required by law.
A written contract for employment beyond three months.

What Goes Into a Fair Contract

Duties (cleaning, cooking, childcare, elderly care).
Working hours and rest day.
Salary, pay date and how it is paid (M-Pesa gives a record).
Food and accommodation if live-in.
Notice period and leave.

How to Hire a House Help or Nanny

Write down the duties, hours and budget.
Use a placement service or trusted referrals rather than strangers on the street.
Check the ID and get at least two references; call them.
Do a paid trial week.
Sign the contract and explain house rules clearly.

On the Buy More Mall Services Marketplace you can find house help, nanny and childcare, elderly care and domestic staff placement providers, with the starting price shown before you book.

Nanny vs House Help vs Caregiver

Role	Main duties	Pay level
House help	Cleaning, laundry, cooking	Usually around the minimum or above
Nanny	Childcare first, light housework	Often higher for experience
Caregiver (elderly or special needs)	Personal care, medicines, mobility	Higher, for skills and responsibility

Worked Example: Budgeting for a Live-Out Nanny in Nairobi

A family in Nairobi hires a live-out nanny. Basic pay at least KSh 18,047, plus a housing allowance of 15% (about KSh 2,707), means at least about KSh 20,754 a month before statutory contributions. They pay on the same date every month by M-Pesa and give one rest day a week.