Every morning across Kenya, before the sun fully rises over the hills of Kisii or the rooftops of Nairobi, millions of domestic workers are already up—sweeping compounds, preparing breakfast, dressing children, and keeping households running. They are the mama fuas, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and caretakers who form the invisible backbone of our homes and cities.
As we mark Domestic Workers Day, it’s time to pause, reflect, and recognize the value of this essential workforce—not just with words, but with action.
🧹 The Heart of the Hustle
Domestic workers are not just helpers—they are caregivers, protectors, and silent enablers of Kenya’s economy. Without them, many professionals wouldn’t make it to work on time. Teachers couldn’t teach, bankers couldn’t bank, and entrepreneurs couldn’t build.
In fact, Kenya has over 2 million domestic workers, making up more than 10% of the national workforce. Most are women, many are single mothers, and a large number are the sole breadwinners in their families. They carry the weight of multiple households—yet their own rights and dignity are often overlooked.
📜 What the Law Says (and What Still Happens)
Kenya has made strides in protecting domestic workers. The Employment Act, 2007 and Kenya’s ratification of ILO Convention 189 guarantee rights like:
- ✅ Minimum wage
- ✅ Paid leave and rest days
- ✅ NHIF and NSSF contributions
- ✅ Safe working conditions
- ✅ Written contracts
But let’s be honest—how many employers actually follow through?
A 2024 report by SweepSouth revealed that many domestic workers earn below the legal minimum wage, lack contracts, and face job insecurity. Some are dismissed without notice. Others work 12-hour days with no rest. And in extreme cases, abuse goes unreported because the home is both the workplace and the prison.
💡 Lessons We Must Learn
1. Respect is not optional. Domestic work is real work. It deserves the same respect as any other profession. That means calling your house help by name, not “msichana.” It means saying thank you. It means treating them like the professionals they are.
2. Pay fairly, not just legally. The minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling. If your domestic worker is helping raise your children, care for your elderly parents, or keep your home safe—pay them what they’re worth.
3. Contracts protect everyone. A written agreement isn’t just for formality. It sets expectations, builds trust, and protects both parties in case of disputes.
4. Empower with skills. Some employers invest in their workers—teaching them to cook new meals, use appliances, or even supporting them through adult education. That’s not just kindness—it’s nation-building.
🌍 A Continental Perspective
Across Africa, domestic workers face similar challenges. From Lagos to Lusaka, many work informally, without social protection or legal recourse. Only seven African countries have ratified ILO Convention 189. Kenya is among them—but ratification without enforcement is like a law without justice.
We must push for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and platforms like Balozy that help formalize domestic work through verified profiles, ratings, and digital contracts.
🗣️ Real Voices, Real Impact
Take Beatrice, a mama fua in Machakos who joined Balozy last year. Before that, she relied on word-of-mouth and could go weeks without work. Now, she gets booked regularly, has repeat clients, and even saved enough to start a small soap-making side hustle.
Or James, a gardener in Eldoret who was once underpaid and overworked. After learning about his rights through a local NGO, he negotiated better terms—and now trains other workers in his community.
🎉 Celebrating with Purpose
Domestic Workers Day isn’t just about celebration—it’s about recognition, reform, and renewal. It’s about shifting the narrative from “just a house girl” to “a skilled professional.” It’s about ensuring that the people who care for our homes are also cared for by the law, by society, and by us.
✅ Final Word
As we celebrate today, let’s commit to doing better. Let’s pay fairly, treat kindly, and protect legally. Because when domestic workers thrive, Kenya thrives.
