Nairobi nannies, 'mama fuas', face unemployment amid rising competition and tough economy

For the past seven years, Josephine Atieno, a mother of four from Kiambiu, has embarked on her daily quest for work as a nanny in Eastleigh, leaving her home at precisely 6 am.

Since 2017, she has built a career that once provided a stable income to support her children’s education. However, job opportunities have become increasingly scarce, and Josephine, along with other nannies, now faces fierce competition for household positions, making it difficult to secure work.

Historically, the roles of house manager and nanny were relatively easy to obtain due to high demand, attracting many individuals, particularly those without formal education. However, as unemployment rates have risen, more people have entered this field, a trend exacerbated by an influx of inexpensive imported labour.

In Eastleigh, Josephine, like many women seeking work as nannies or house managers, often finds herself waiting for long hours without job offers. The competition has intensified, particularly from women from Burundi and Uganda, who are frequently preferred for their ability to provide cheaper labour.

Many of these women, including Josephine, juggle family responsibilities, prompting them to negotiate for higher pay. However, the availability of lower-cost labour complicates their efforts to earn a decent income.

Josephine shared her struggles: “We all want to make money, but this trend has hit us hard. Eastleigh used to be a promising place for work, but now we can go days, even three in a row, without earning anything.”

In Eastleigh, women offering these services often gather around mosques or in front of buildings, where potential clients can approach them. They provide various services, including laundry, general cleaning, and ironing, tailored to clients' preferences. Unfortunately, the influx of cheaper labour makes it increasingly challenging for them to compete.

“We’re now forced to lower our prices just to stay afloat,” Josephine explained. “For a half-day’s work, we might earn only 4,000 shillings for the whole month, while daily earnings depend on clients. It’s tough, especially for mothers, as it’s simply not enough to meet our needs.”

Rose Adhiambo, a house manager from Majengo with over a decade of experience, has had to adapt to a changing job landscape. The demand for her services has decreased, and she has taken on day labour to make ends meet.

Rose Athiambo and Angela Mutiso, casual labour popularly known as 'mama fua' wait for their employers to assign them jobs on October 21, 2024. (Photo by Justine Ondieki)

“Everyone here relies on Somali women for jobs,” she explains. “I’m actively seeking more cleaning opportunities to survive since working as a day labourer doesn’t pay well due to the intense competition.”

Rose notes that newcomers to the business face significant challenges in securing day labour positions, as many clients prefer to work with people they already know. Although random hires do occur, it is no longer a reliable source of income.

“This job used to be dependable, but not anymore. Some people even prefer to clean their houses themselves, which isn’t good for us, as it leaves us with fewer opportunities,” she says. “We pray that the government can help us and protect us from foreign labour.”

In Eastleigh, only a fortunate few land half-day roles, and many must rely on luck to be chosen. The job market is heavily influenced by affordability, as families often seek cost-effective help.

Jackline Mkawa, a 25-year-old from Majengo, has turned to nanny work after having her baby. Despite completing four years of education, a lack of funds for college forced her into casual labour to support herself and her child.

“My family depends on me—both my child and my parents—so I have to look for any legal work available, but it hasn’t been easy,” she explains.

In Majengo, many young people have turned to drugs and theft, not out of necessity but because they struggle to find jobs.

“For those seeking day labour positions, it’s particularly tough, especially for someone like me with about a year of experience. Building a client base isn’t easy, so I find myself waiting daily for someone to request my services,” she shares.

Jackline highlights that job opportunities diminish during the rainy season, as fewer women are willing to venture out in the rain to seek cleaning work, and clothes struggle to dry.

A group of women seated outside a building in Eastleigh on October 21, 2024, waiting for casual jobs. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

“In this sector, negotiating for lower prices has become the norm. We understand that the economy is tough, but we are truly feeling the impact, as the money no longer flows in our favour,” she says.

She calls on leaders to pay attention to the needs of everyday citizens, as they are the ones who can vote and drive change.

According to the Federation of Kenya Employers, the overall unemployment rate in Kenya stands at 12.7%. However, among the youth aged 15 to 34, a staggering 67% face unemployment. Each year, over one million young people enter the labour market without skills, many having dropped out of school or completed their education without pursuing further studies.

On a broader scale, Africa is home to nearly 200 million individuals aged 15 to 24, representing 40% of the workforce and 60% of the unemployed labour force. This demographic is expected to double by 2045, posing a significant challenge for African economies. High youth unemployment threatens stability across the continent, making it essential to address this issue to prevent social unrest and maintain peace—critical factors for attracting investment, generating wealth, and creating necessary job opportunities.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasises that the care economy sustains human activity for both current and future generations while safeguarding the right to give and receive care.

WEF estimates that if unpaid care work were compensated, it would account for about 9% of global GDP, roughly $11 trillion in real terms. Despite this, the social and economic value of the care economy remains largely unrecognised.