Know your rights as a Househelp!

In Kenya, house helps, also known as domestic workers, have rights that are protected by law. It is essential that house helps know their rights to ensure they are not exploited, abused or mistreated by their employers. Here are some of the rights of house helps in Kenya:

1. Fair Wages: House helps have the right to receive fair wages for the work they do. The minimum wage for domestic workers in Kenya is Kshs. 13,475 per month as of 2021. However, this amount may vary depending on the location and duties of the house help.
2. Rest Days: House helps have the right to at least one day off per week. They should be allowed to rest, relax and engage in activities of their choice on this day.
3. Decent Working Conditions: House helps have the right to decent working conditions. This means that their employers should provide them with adequate food, clean and safe living quarters, and proper tools and equipment to do their work.
4. Right to Health and Safety: House helps have the right to a safe and healthy working environment. Their employers should ensure that the workplace is free from hazards that could cause accidents or illnesses.
5. Right to Privacy: House helps have the right to privacy. Their employers should not invade their privacy or engage in any form of harassment or abuse.
6. Right to Education: House helps have the right to education. Their employers should allow them to attend classes or training programs to improve their skills or pursue further education.
7. Right to be Treated with Dignity and Respect: House helps have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. They should not be subjected to any form of discrimination, harassment or abuse by their employers.
8. Right to Social Security: House helps have the right to social security. This means that they should be enrolled in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) by their employers.
9. Right to Compensation: House helps have the right to compensation in case of injury or illness resulting from their work. Their employers should provide them with medical care and pay for their treatment.
10. Right to Terminate Employment: House helps have the right to terminate their employment if they are mistreated or if their working conditions are unbearable. They should give their employers reasonable notice before leaving.

It is essential that house helps are aware of their rights and are able to assert them when necessary. The government of Kenya has put in place measures to protect the rights of house helps, and employers who violate these rights can face legal consequences. House helps should also be aware of the legal procedures for seeking redress in case their rights are violated.