Here is the week of waiting with bated breath for the nanny to return from festivities break. For some, the wait will end with jubilation when she finally arrives on Sunday evening, with a basket of greens and other goodies from the village.
For the not-so-lucky ones, the wait will culminate in premium tears…
Truth be told, nannies and house-helps play a vital role in the smooth running of homes. They are indispensable, especially in households with small children, and full-time working parents.
House chores have long been glorified, but let's be honest — they're tedious, time-consuming, and downright exhausting.
Over the years, some families have decided to lighten this load by hiring not just one, but two house-helps, allowing parents —especially mothers—to reclaim their time, energy, and mental well-being.
This arrangement provides vital support for career growth, personal interests, and quality family time. It can mean a calmer morning routine, more relaxed evenings, and a household that runs smoothly even when life outside is hectic.
But how do you make it work? How do you ensure that duties don't overlap, that resentment doesn't fester, and that everyone respects each other's boundaries?
Juiana: I do not micromanage them
Juliana Kibuga a mother of four with two house helps.
Photo credit: Juliana Kibuga
Juliana Kibuga, a mother of four, says that before having her twins, she had only one house-help who managed all the household tasks. However, when she had twins, the need arose to hire a second help.
"One is solely responsible for handling the children and kitchen work, while the other is in charge of cleaning. In the evenings, they work together in the kitchen and help feed the children."
In Juliana's home, her nannies only wake up early on school days. During holidays, she allows them to sleep in, as long as they complete their duties on time.
When disagreements arise — such as when one house help feels the other isn't being thorough —Juliana gives them space to resolve their issues independently. "I always extend grace when correcting them and avoid taking things personally because I'm not at home most of the time, and disagreements are bound to happen."
Because of the trust she has placed in them, she does not micromanage.
"I believe everyone understands their duties, so I give them space as long as the work is done effectively by the end of the day," she adds.
When hiring, Juliana looks for candidates who are at least 25 years old, have basic education, maintain good personal grooming, and show a friendly rapport with her children from the outset.
Before a new house help starts, Juliana orients them on handling the children in case of accidents and teaches them how to use household appliances like the washing machine and oven.
When it comes to salary, she never pays her house-helps the same.
"Right from the beginning, the starting salary is different and it increases depending on how long they serve."
When one house help is sick or away for personal reasons, Juliana steps in to fill the gap. Despite having two nannies, there are some tasks Juliana prefers to do herself.
"I clean my bedroom, serve my husband, bathe my babies, and on Sundays — when they are off duty — I take over everything."
Having two house helps has eased Juliana's workload, and as a token of gratitude for their good service, she occasionally gives them tips.
For parents thinking of hiring two house helps, Juliana advises, "Consider getting them from a reputable source or a known referral. Let them know your expectations before they start, and make it clear there will be another house help. Insist on mutual respect. Generally, hiring two house-helps ease the workload and improves service delivery."
Unlike Juliana, Miriam Mwikali, a mother of two, started employing two house helps last year after the one she had decided to go back to school.
When she first hired the one who is now attending school, her daughter was about six months old. At the time, Miriam had just started a new job that required weekly travel outside Nairobi.
This house-help took excellent care of her daughter, tending to her at night, handling feedings and night-time cries, and even caring for Miriam's older son who attended school—all while Miriam was away. "Over time, she became my daughter's best companion."
Miriam - I hold weekly check-up talks
Miriam Mwikali a mother of two with two house helps.
Photo credit: Pool
Like Juliana, Miriam splits duties to ensure smooth workflow in her home.
"One is responsible for all the house chores, while the other focuses on the children—bathing them, feeding them, and helping with homework. However, they are not strictly confined to their roles and can assist each other when needed."
Managing multiple houses-helps isn't always easy. Miriam holds weekly one-on-one talks to check for any issues and encourage teamwork.
"Sometimes, they disagree because everyone has their way of doing things. There have been instances where one tried to impress me by lying about the other. At times, it feels like office politics, and it's challenging, especially since my children witness this environment. I want to create the best atmosphere for them."
When hiring, Miriam considers the house- helps' long-term goals—whether it's furthering their education, getting married, or supporting their families. For younger girls, she encourages saving money and further studies.
"Like the one in school currently, I saved part of her salary, and once it was enough, she enrolled in college. She will graduate next year, and we're already discussing what's next."
Although Miriam has two house helps, there are certain tasks she prefers to handle herself, such as organising her bedroom. On Sundays, both house helps take the day off.
"There is a gap in their salaries. Initially, the one who goes to school would get more, but when she started going to school, she gets less because she has less work. But the gap is not that big."
For the age gap, Miriam prefers hiring age mates as they can get along more easily.
"A while back, I had an older one, the gap was seven years and it did not go well. Conflicts were escalated, and the older one seemed entitled."
Miriam appreciates her house-helps' work by occasionally giving them small tokens like airtime and covering monthly fare for the one attending school.
"When we go on family trips or vacations, we don't leave them behind. I also shop for them during holidays or whenever they go home. The one attending school has enjoyed many benefits since she has been with us for a long time," she adds.
For parents planning to hire more than one house-help, Miriam advises, "Avoid taking sides in conflicts. Listen to both sides, understand their personalities, and treat everyone equally.
Encourage teamwork and correct mistakes privately. Set clear roles to prevent overlapping responsibilities, and foster a sense of sisterhood. If a house-help wants to study further, support them without expecting immediate returns."
Wangeci Kihara a mother of three who has two house helps.
Photo credit: Pool
Wangeci Kihara, a mother of three, hired two house helps in 2019 after starting her business, The Mothership Village. This decision was also driven by the shortcomings of her previous helper—a day bug—who kept the house squeaky clean but never played with her second-born child.
Although her children are now in school, Wangeci still maintains two house helps. "I feel that everyone with one house help ends up doing household tasks themselves, and I don't want that. Even though my children are older (13, 7, and 5), I still need the support to grow myself and my business."
In Wangeci's home, chores rotate every two weeks. She divides the house chores into two: 'full kitchen and children' and 'household tasks.' The person responsible for household tasks finishes by 3:00 pm to help with the children.
A typical day, in Wangeci's home, begins at 5:00 am on school days. The nanny makes breakfast, and helps dress the younger children, while the other one handles dishes and packs lunches. They each perform their duties, and by 6:00 pm, dinner is served.
While effective communication when having multiple house-helps can be difficult, Wangeci lays out the rules in advance and makes it clear that respect and kindness are non-negotiable.
"I've also realised that having an age gap between the two house-helps naturally fosters respect. At least a 10-year age gap is good."
How does she find her house helps? "Majority of those that I have had have been referrals. I don't conduct formal interviews. I pray to God for someone who will edify my home and whom I can also edify."
In her home, house-helps are trained in cooking, housekeeping, and annually in paediatric first aid. The nanny, once trained, guides the domestic manager. "If I'm unhappy with something, I tell the nanny, and she communicates it to the domestic manager. Over time, this system has helped us maintain a good rapport."
How does she relate with them? "Mostly professional rather than sisterhood. They can be like sisters to each other, but with me, it's strictly employer-employee. We don't have a personal rapport."
Unlike Juliana and Miriam, Wangeci does not reserve any chores for herself. "I do not do any housework. It's not something I enjoy. Apart from my duties as a wife and mother, I don't handle chores."
She gives her house-helps 28 days of leave and sick days off. "Most times, I pay for their healthcare, and provide bonuses and per diems when we travel. I also give them gifts on their birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day, and even Valentine's Day."
