This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
As an urban mum, I've come to realize the importance of my nanny, Nanny Viv, in my life. She's been with my family since January 2016, and I've grown to appreciate her dedication and hard work.
However, I've also learned that many nannies are not paid enough for their services. In fact, I've come to realize that the previous nanny left my household without warning or notice, owing me a significant amount of money.
So, how can you empower your nanny financially? One way is to save money for her from her monthly salary. You can set aside a certain amount, even as little as Sh200, and send it to your savings account or a money market fund account.
It's essential to keep proper records of what you save and in which month. This way, you can withdraw from the kitty whenever she needs money for emergencies or to cover expenses.
As your relationship with your nanny grows, you can increase the savings. For instance, you can set aside between Sh800 to Sh1,500 every month from her salary. You can also top it up from your own pocket.
At this point, ensure you're paying for her NSSF of Sh500 monthly and that her kids are included in the cover. You can also encourage her to sign up for an insurance policy, either for retirement or education, and settle it in full for her or meet her halfway.
Another way to empower your nanny is by encouraging her to save with a legitimate Sacco. This way, she can access credit at lower rates and enjoy annual dividends.
With your nanny's skills and experience, you can also consider taking her to school to master a technical skill she can later employ for extra money. Nanny Viv, for instance, has joined a hairdressing and beauty college, and I've also encouraged her to learn how to weave by hand rugs or make peanut butter, shea butter products, beauty soaps, and commercial detergent.
Alternatively, you can start a business with her and employ her as its supervisor. Or, if she already has a natural proclivity for a skill, you can link her up with a catering company where she can be a casual during the week.
