Caretakers rank among the highest earners in the domestic and general labor category, per KNBS data. Their minimum monthly basic wage in major cities stands at KSh 33,416.8. This exceeds pay for most other domestic workers.
The KNBS Statistical Abstract 2025 reveals that the minimum gazetted monthly basic wage for caretakers in major cities was KSh 33,416.8 in 2024. In former municipalities and town councils such as Ruiru, Mavoko, and Limuru, the average stood at KSh 31,203.5, while in other towns it was KSh 29,068.7.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection defines a caretaker as someone responsible for building maintenance, distinct from a security guard focused on protection. For instance, a watchman's basic wage in Nairobi was KSh 16,113.8 in 2024, KSh 14,866.9 in other major cities excluding housing allowance, and KSh 8,596.5 in smaller towns.
Other domestic workers, including general laborers like cleaners, sweepers, gardeners, and house servants, averaged KSh 16,113 monthly, excluding housing. In municipalities and town councils, this fell to KSh 14,866.9, and to KSh 8,596.5 in other towns.
The domestic worker sector employed 120,153 people in 2024, with total annual earnings rising to KSh 42.5 billion from KSh 34.2 billion five years earlier. Caretaker wages surpass those of medium vehicle drivers at KSh 27,352 and salespersons in major cities at KSh 30,196.6.
These figures exclude housing allowances, so actual compensation could be higher with employer-provided accommodation and other benefits.
