Nurse Judy has openly explained why she never worries about her house helps leaving her employment, saying her approach is rooted in fair pay, respect, and consistency. Speaking on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, she addressed ongoing online conversations where many employers expressed anxiety about whether their housekeepers would return after time away. While others were uneasy, she said she remained calm and confident.
“Been seeing the shenanigans za how people were worried if their househelp will come back while I was very much at peace,” Nurse Judy stated. She explained that her peace of mind comes from how she treats the people who work in her home, emphasizing that job security begins with the employer’s mindset.
She went further to explain why she feels secure in her working relationships. “Like very deep down I know hakuna pahali wangu anaeza enda unless mwenyewe ni mfukuze,” she said, making it clear that her house helps have no reason to look elsewhere unless pushed out.
Why does Nurse Judy prioritize fair pay for house helps?
According to Nurse Judy, fair and competitive pay is the foundation of loyalty. She made it clear that compensation is not an afterthought but a central part of how she manages her household staff. “I pay them as if they are working in a state house!” she said, underscoring her belief that domestic workers deserve dignified and well-structured pay.
She shared details about a major salary decision she made last year involving her current house help. In August, she significantly increased the worker’s salary after a change in how duties were handled. “Nilimwongezea salary by 35k Kenya shillings,” she said, explaining that the raise was intentional and well considered.
The increase came after her house help expressed a preference to work alone rather than share responsibilities. “She said hataki wakue wawili,” Nurse Judy noted. Instead of forcing a shared arrangement, she chose to respect the decision and adjust the pay accordingly. “So I gave her a top up ya 35k ya ksh,” she added, saying she also offers extra money from time to time.
How does her approach compare to other employers?
Nurse Judy did not shy away from comparing the pay she offers with salaries in other professions. “My househelp earns better than a Nurse in any private hospital in Kenya,” she said, highlighting the gap between domestic work compensation and some formal sector jobs.
Beyond money, she described herself as an employer who values people and creates a positive working environment. “Im a good boss, like extremely good,” she said, reinforcing that respect and fairness are part of her leadership style. She believes this attitude makes people comfortable and motivated to work with her.
She added that her approach extends beyond her household. “I’m the type you wanna work with as an employer, employee or colleague,” she explained. For Nurse Judy, this philosophy is not a recent change but a long-standing principle. “Have always been!” she said, stressing that consistency defines how she treats others.
Her remarks have sparked conversation about how employers treat domestic workers and whether fair pay and respect can change the narrative around job insecurity.
By Risper Akinyi