Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label domestic workers

Surviving and Thriving as a Low-Income Earner in Kenya: Practical, No-Nonsense Advice

Many Kenyans are caught in the cycle of low wages, high expenses, and family obligations that never seem to end. Whether you’re a waiter, waitress, cook, shamba boy, security guard, housekeeper, boda boda rider, or driver, the reality is that making a comfortable living in Kenya on a low salary is an uphill battle. But while the system may not be in your favor, there are practical ways to navigate these challenges and build a better future. Here’s how: 1. Fair Wages: How to Ask for More Without Getting Fired Research industry pay standards before accepting a job. Talk to colleagues and check online groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for a pay raise if your responsibilities increase. Extra duties should come with extra pay! If your employer claims they can’t raise your salary, negotiate for other benefits like meals, transport allowances, or off days. Learn a critical skill that makes you indispensable. If you’re a cook, become the only one who can make the most requested dish. If you’re a ...

Practical Strategies for Domestic Workers in Kenya to Improve Their Lives

Domestic work is one of the most common yet undervalued professions in Kenya. Many households employ domestic workers, but their salaries often range from KES 5,000 to KES 15,000, with anything above KES 10,000 considered a ‘good wage’—when in reality, it isn’t. Many live with their employers, cutting down on expenses like rent and transport, but that doesn’t mean they have disposable income. Many also face ‘black tax’—having to financially support family members back home. The Reality of Domestic Work in Kenya Domestic workers are busy in the mornings and evenings when children are going to school or returning home, but they often have free time in the afternoons. Unfortunately, many spend these hours watching Nigerian movies, TikTok videos, or engaging in gossip with fellow housemaids. While rest is important, this free time could also be used to improve their financial situation and personal growth. You Are Not Part of the Family – Maintain Professional Boundaries One of the biggest...