It is one of the first questions we ask families: do you want someone living in, or a day burg who comes in each morning? Neither is better. The right answer depends on your home, your hours and your children.
What each arrangement means
A live-in nanny or house help lives in your home, usually in a staff quarter or spare room, and works agreed hours with set off days. A day burg works in your home during the day, typically three to five days a week, arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening.
Space and privacy
This is often the deciding factor in Nairobi. Many apartments in Kilimani, Kileleshwa, South B and South C have no staff quarter, and giving up a bedroom is a big ask. Homes in Karen, Runda or Lavington are more likely to have a separate SQ, which makes live-in care far more comfortable for everyone.
Think about privacy too. Some families love having an extra adult around in the evenings. Others value having the house to themselves after 6pm.
Your working hours
- If you leave before 7am, get home after 7pm, travel often or work shifts, live-in care is usually more practical.
- If your hours are predictable and one parent is home in the evenings, a day burg can cover the working day well.
- Remember the commute. A day burg travelling from far away will be affected by traffic and rain, so agree a realistic arrival time.
Your children’s ages
Newborns and babies who still wake at night often suit a live-in nanny who can help with early mornings and settling. School-going children, who are away for most of the day, can usually be covered by a day burg who handles the afternoon routine, homework supervision and housework.
What it costs
Live-in pay is not always higher than a day burg’s, but the total cost is. You provide accommodation, food and utilities, and there may be more hours to account for. Day burgs sometimes expect a transport allowance. Ask for a clear breakdown before you decide, and put the agreed terms in writing.
Trust and supervision
With live-in help, trust matters even more, because this person is part of your household around the clock. Take vetting seriously: ID, references you actually call and a recent Certificate of Good Conduct. With a day burg, set clear expectations about who can visit, phone use during work and what happens if she is running late.
A quick decision guide
- No staff quarter or spare room? Start with a day burg.
- Baby under one, or parents working long or irregular hours? Consider live-in.
- Need evening cover only occasionally? A day burg plus an on-call babysitter may be enough.
- Running a large home with several staff? Look at a house manager.
