FAQ

A nanny is responsible for the complete care of their employer’s children. Duties include tending to each child’s basic physical needs, meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, providing behavioural guidelines and disciplining when appropriate, intellectual stimulation and language activities.

Housekeeping responsibilities are primarily child related. A nanny must be able to communicate well with both children and parents. Depending on the individual family, the nanny may be treated as an employee, a cherished friend or as a member of the family.

• No visitors, except on prior notification and approval of the parents.   • The nanny is not required to receive any guests for the parents.
• The nanny will not be required to call, supervise or advise any maintenance personnel, including, but not limited to, gardeners, pool men, painters, carpet cleaners, handymen, exterminators etc.
• The nanny is in no way responsible for work that is not completed or done because the parents did not notify the nanny of scheduled work, or make themselves available to supervise said work.   • No long distance or collect calls, except in the case of emergency or previous notification of the parents.
• Only short and occasional local calls (during nap times or other/his free times).
• The nanny is not required to answer the telephone to take messages, nor is she/he required to deliver messages to callers. She/he is not required to receive any mail or packages, nor sign for any mail or packages, although doing so does not hold her/his liable in any way whatsoever if said call or package would have been refused by the Parents.   • There shall be no unapproved rides in any cars.
• The house is to be kept locked at all times, including when bringing in the laundry.
• Any suspicious visitors or phone calls must be reported to the parents immediately.
• The nanny must inform the parents if she/he is feeling ill.
• When answering the phone, the nanny will use the family’s name and state that the parents are not available and take a message. The nanny will not give any other/his information about the household, unless given direct permission by the parents to speak freely with the caller, i.e. a grandparent or other/his relative; and will never indicate that she/he is alone with small children. In addition the parents will never indicate to anyone that the nanny will be alone with the children.
• Both the parents and the nanny are to maintain a play area for the children that is free from potential dangers, i.e. choking/strangulation hazards, breakables within the child’s reach.
• The parents are to maintain a safe working environment for the nanny at all times.
• Notification of the parents by the nanny in case she/he is too sick to work.
• Vacation

Every family has its own special needs and child care requirements. Does your family need a nanny who lives within and shares your home? Would you prefer a nanny who lives out? Do you want full-time or part-time child care? Do you expect the person who works in your home to take care of your child/children and also clean the house? Before you even begin to look for a nanny, make sure you have realistic expectations about in-home child care. A nanny is not going to come into your household, wave a magic wand and make everything perfect. The nanny will not be a substitute parent who not only takes care of the children, but also does all the housekeeping, cooking, shopping and other household chores. Keep in mind that a nanny’s primary responsibility is child care; the nanny may or may not be willing to do housekeeping. As much as you would like to have someone clean your house and look after your children and your house, it will be the exception if you find one person who can and will do both jobs well. You must develop a list of priorities to help you choose the best nanny for your family. What qualities are important to you? Flexibility? Independence? Enthusiasm? A good sense of humour? Do you want someone young and energetic who actively plays with your children? Would you prefer someone older with more life experience?

On this site you will find people looking for nanny jobs that vary from no experience to many years of experience. In making your decision on what is the minimum level of experience that you are looking for; something to take into consideration are: salary that your are paying, is there is a stay at home parent, age of children, number of children and number of hours the nanny will be alone with your children. How much experience and/or education is important to you in the nanny who will care for your children? Be clear about what specific skills your nanny must have. Does the nanny need to be able to swim, cook, help with homecare for a premature infant? Should the nanny know first aid and CPR? Of course, if there is a stay at home parent then the nanny job can be more of a ‘Mother- Help’ job. Many parents need an extra pair of hand to help out with the children. A young and inexperienced person may do very well in this type of job. If the job involves preschool age children and there will not be a parent at home, it is important to have an experienced nanny. It is critical, if there is a newborn infant, that only an experienced nanny be employed. If you have school-aged children experience may be less important because they will be able to inform you of what the nanny does. One person may not fulfil all of your criteria, but considering your priorities, you will have an idea of the nanny suited for your unique situation. Be aware that your family’s needs are likely to change as your children mature. The nanny you want now may be quite different from the one you’ll want a year from now.

• The nanny is not a gardener.
• The nanny is not a professional mover. She/he will not move furniture, rearrange rooms etc.

We have found that pay and benefits for nannies vary widely according to the geographic region and the nanny’s qualifications and experience. Beginning salaries for live-in nannies just starting in the field usually ranges from KES 6,000 to KES 8,000 while a well-trained nanny can expect a salary of up to KES 20,000 per month. Employment in a private household is such that it is difficult to define hours of work and free time. However, an average working day is 8 – 10 hours with 1.5 hours to 2 days free per week and at least one free weekend per month (usually Friday to /Sunday night, totalling 48 hours)

• Provision of full board and accommodation to the child-carer
• Provision of a room
• Access to a bathroom for the live-in nanny (or sharing with child/children)
• 1-2 days off/month (typically weekend=Friday night through to Sunday)
• Minimum of 2 public holidays will be given, except as provided through special arrangement between the family and the candidate.
• Meals will be provided
• Clear definition of domestic duties required