Mosiria explains why watchmen should earn at least Ksh20K and househelps Ksh15K
By Valerian Khakayi, August 27, 2026Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Customer Engagement and Citizen Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has appealed to employers to improve the pay of watchmen and househelps, saying the workers often endure difficult conditions despite the important services they provide.
Mosiria said he had a particular concern for workers commonly known as watchmen and househelps, whom he said were struggling to make ends meet.
He urged employers to consider paying the workers better wages, proposing a minimum of Ksh20,000 for watchmen and between Ksh13,000 and Ksh15,000 for househelps.
“I also have an appeal; kuna watu wanaitwa watchman ama soldier wa usiku na housegirls, they are really suffering,” Mosiria said.
“To those employers, the least a watchman should be paid is Ksh 20,000, and a housegirl Ksh 13-15K.”
Govt’s minimum wage
Mosiria’s appeal comes after the government approved a 12 per cent increase in the minimum wage structure covering several categories of low-income workers, including househelps, watchmen and gardeners.
The revised wage guidelines were published through a legal notice issued by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua following President William Ruto’s announcement during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations.
Under the new structure, domestic workers in major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret are entitled to a minimum monthly wage of Ksh18,047, up from Ksh16,113 under the previous rate.
Workers in former municipalities and other large urban centres are entitled to a minimum of Ksh16,650, while those in smaller towns and rural areas have a minimum wage of Ksh9,268, according to the revised wage order.
The order covers categories including house servants, day watchmen, gardeners, messengers and sweepers.
Mosiria’s proposed pay
Mosiria’s proposed Ksh20,000 minimum for watchmen is above the current statutory minimum for major cities, while his proposed Ksh13,000 to Ksh15,000 for househelps falls within the range he believes would provide better support for domestic workers.
His remarks highlight the wider debate around the cost of living and the pay received by workers who provide essential services to households.
The government has warned that employers who fail to comply with the revised wage regulations could face penalties, including a fine of up to Ksh50,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both, under labour laws.
Mosiria’s appeal therefore puts the spotlight not only on legal minimum wages but also on whether employers can do more to improve the livelihoods of workers who often work long hours in demanding conditions.