Msichana Blog

10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Nanny in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Hiring a nanny in Kenya can greatly improve your family’s daily life, but only if you choose the right person.

A nanny becomes part of your home, your child’s routine, and your family’s privacy. For that reason, it is very important to interview your nanny thoroughly.

To help Kenyan parents make safer, more confident decisions, here are 10 essential questions to ask before hiring a nanny, plus insider notes from Msichana.co.ke, Nairobi’s most trusted nanny and house help bureau.

1. “Can you tell me about your past work experience?”

A nanny’s past experience says a lot about their ability to handle your household’s needs. Even as much as it's difficult to verify this information.
Ask for details such as:

Ages of children previously cared for
Duties performed
Duration of past employment
Why they left that employment. Watch out for the ‘Boss & family moved to America’ stories, those are usually sure ways to know they are lying.

Sidenote: Msichana.co.ke has a verification process for girls hired on the platform, so you can trust that the info is reliable. Also, when you unlock a girl from the platform, be sure to let us know what happened, to help other parents.

2. “What age groups are you most comfortable with?”

Some nannies are excellent with toddlers but struggle with newborns. Others are fantastic with school-aged kids but not infants. Always choose someone whose strengths match your child’s needs. While at it, believe them when they tell you they're not comfortable with a certain age group of kids, because as much as they may want the job, they won't stick around long enough.

3. “What childcare or domestic skills do you have?”

You want a nanny who confidently handles:

Feeding & meal prep
Diapering & bathing
Sleep routines
First aid basics
Light cleaning & laundry related to childcare.

4. “Do you have any formal training or certification?”

Many Kenyan parents now prefer nannies with:

Basic first aid knowledge
Newborn care skills
Child safety awareness
Household management training

5. “Are you comfortable with live-in or dayburg arrangements?”

Be clear about your preferred working arrangement:

Live-in (common for full-time childcare)
Dayburg (common in urban areas, they commute daily to your home)

Mismatched expectations cause many nanny-employer conflicts—sort this out early.

6. “What are your salary expectations?”

Discuss pay openly:

Monthly salary
Off-days
Possible bonuses
Overtime policy
Annual increments

7. “Can you provide references from past employers?”

Past employers reveal valuable insights about:

Work ethic
Reliability
How they interact with children
Honesty and trustworthiness

8. “Are you comfortable with a background check or ID verification?”

A professional nanny should have no problem with:

ID verification
Police clearance (if required)
Reference checks

9. “What are your expectations from us as a family?”

Healthy communication is two-way.
Ask the nanny:

What schedule they prefer
Any religious considerations
Dietary restrictions
Preferred communication style

This ensures a good match beyond skills.

10. “How do you handle difficult situations with children?”

Scenarios can reveal personality:

“What would you do if the child refuses to eat?”
“How do you discipline a child respectfully?”
“What if the child cries continuously?”

You’ll see their patience, creativity, and emotional maturity.

Bonus Tip: Use a Verified Nanny Bureau (Not Social Media or Guesswork)

While many Kenyan parents still rely on referrals or online posts, the safest option is a professional nanny bureau that screens, trains, and documents its nannies.

This is where Msichana.co.ke stands out.

Why Kenyan Parents Prefer Msichana.co.ke:

Fast and accurate matching - you can hire a girl immediately based on very specific criteria
Affordable pricing model: Unlocking a housegirl is very very affordable compared to traditional bureaus. Even if it doesn't work out, you don't risk losing so much money compared to you usual agents.
Reviewed housegirl profiles by other employers on the platform.
Hundreds of options to choose from and we keep adding more every day!

Visit Msichana.co.ke to find a trained and vetted nanny in Nairobi today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What questions should I ask before hiring a nanny in Kenya?

You should ask about the nanny’s experience, preferred age groups, childcare skills, training, work arrangement (live-in or dayburg), salary expectations, references, and how they handle children in difficult situations. These questions help you assess both competence and compatibility with your family.

2. How do I verify a nanny’s past work experience in Kenya?

Ask for specific details such as the ages of children they cared for, duties performed, duration of employment, and reasons for leaving. You can also request references from past employers or use a verified nanny bureau that screens candidates for you.

3. What skills should a good nanny have?

A good nanny should be skilled in feeding and meal preparation, diapering, bathing, managing sleep routines, basic first aid, and light cleaning related to childcare. These skills ensure your child’s safety and comfort.

4. Is formal training important when hiring a nanny in Kenya?

Yes, formal training is increasingly important. Many parents prefer nannies with first aid knowledge, newborn care training, child safety awareness, and basic household management skills.

5. Should I hire a live-in or dayburg nanny?

It depends on your needs. Live-in nannies are ideal for full-time childcare and convenience, while dayburg nannies are common in urban areas and commute daily. It’s important to agree on this arrangement early to avoid misunderstandings.

6. How much does it cost to hire a nanny in Kenya?

The cost varies depending on experience, location, and responsibilities. You should discuss monthly salary, off-days, overtime, bonuses, and annual increments upfront to avoid conflicts later.

7. Why are references important when hiring a nanny?

References provide insights into the nanny’s reliability, work ethic, honesty, and how they interact with children. Speaking to past employers can help you make a more informed decision.

8. Should I conduct a background check on a nanny?

Yes, background checks are important for safety. This can include ID verification, police clearance, and reference checks. A trustworthy nanny should be comfortable with this process.

9. What should I expect from a nanny-employer relationship?

A healthy relationship involves clear communication about schedules, responsibilities, expectations, and personal considerations such as diet or religion. Mutual understanding leads to better long-term outcomes.

10. How can I tell if a nanny is good with children?

Ask scenario-based questions like how they handle a child refusing to eat or crying continuously. Their answers will reveal patience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.

11. Is it safe to hire a nanny through social media in Kenya?

Hiring through social media can be risky because profiles are often unverified. It’s safer to use a professional nanny bureau that screens and verifies candidates before recommending them.

12. What are the benefits of using a nanny bureau in Nairobi?

A nanny bureau provides vetted candidates, faster matching, verified profiles, and reduced risk. You also gain access to a wider pool of trained nannies and ongoing support during the hiring process.

13. How do I choose the right nanny for my child’s age?

Select a nanny whose experience matches your child’s age group. Some nannies are better with infants, while others are more comfortable with toddlers or school-aged children.

14. What are common mistakes parents make when hiring a nanny?

Common mistakes include skipping background checks, not verifying experience, failing to discuss expectations clearly, and rushing the hiring process. These can lead to mismatches and early termination.

15. What is the safest way to hire a nanny in Nairobi?

The safest way is to use a trusted nanny bureau that verifies identity, experience, and references. This reduces risk and ensures you hire someone reliable and well-suited to your needs.