Start with the needs of your household
Before looking for a nanny in Nairobi, write down what support your family actually needs. Consider your child’s age, school or nursery schedule, the hours you need covered, your location and the likely start date. A clear brief makes it easier to discuss availability and compare relevant experience.
Separate essential childcare responsibilities from household tasks. If you expect help with children’s meals, laundry or school pick-ups, spell out what each task involves and how much time it may take. Avoid assuming that every nanny role includes the same duties.
Decide whether a live-in or live-out arrangement suits your household. For a live-in role, consider private accommodation, privacy, meals, rest time and household boundaries. For a live-out role, discuss start and finish times, commute expectations and what happens when travel or school schedules change.
Check experience, references and suitability
Ask candidates to describe their relevant childcare experience with examples. A family with a newborn may want to understand an applicant’s practical infant-care experience, while a family with school-age children may focus on routines, homework supervision and communication.
With the candidate’s knowledge and permission, contact references and ask specific, job-related questions: what responsibilities did the person have, how did they communicate with the family, and would the referee consider working with them again? Verify documents and screening information through appropriate channels rather than relying on a claim alone.
Discuss safety expectations openly. Ask how the candidate responds to an emergency, handles visitors and phone use while supervising a child, and follows your instructions about food, outings and collection arrangements. Agree on any required training or first-aid expectations before the role begins.
Use the interview to agree on expectations
Give every shortlisted candidate a similar explanation of the role. Ask about their approach to the child’s daily routine and invite them to ask questions too. A respectful, two-way conversation can reveal whether expectations are compatible.
Before making a decision, confirm the working hours, days off, compensation, duties, accommodation if applicable, supervision arrangements and how either party can raise concerns. Put agreed terms in writing and check current Kenyan employment requirements where needed.
- What experience do you have with children of this age?
- How would you handle a change to the usual routine?
- What would you do if a child became unwell or there was an emergency?
- Which duties and working arrangements would you like us to clarify?
Plan the first weeks, not just the first day
Prepare written household instructions with emergency contacts, allergies, approved pick-up people, meal routines and boundaries for screen time and outings. Introduce the nanny to the child gradually where practical, and make time for a handover before the family relies on the new arrangement.
Schedule check-ins during the first few weeks. Discuss what is working, clarify anything that was misunderstood and update routines when the child’s needs change. Good communication is an ongoing part of a successful placement.
A placement agency can help families define a role and arrange candidate introductions, but you should still interview candidates, review relevant checks and agree on employment terms directly.