Hiring someone to work in your home is different from any other hire. They're alone with your kids, your valuables, your routine. Get it wrong, and it costs more than money, it costs your peace of mind.
Here's what to actually ask for, what to ask, and what should make you walk away.
Before the Interview - Documents to Ask For
- National ID - confirms identity and age. Photograph it yourself; don't just glance.
- Certificate of Good Conduct (DCI-issued police clearance)
- At least one reference contact - phone numbers, not names. No contactable references means you're vetting blind.
Questions to Ask During the Interview
- Work history. How long did they stay, why did they leave? Vague answers repeated across jobs deserve a follow-up.
- Availability. Live-in or live-out, days off, hours - be specific about what you offer before asking what they want. Mismatches here break placements fast.
- Emergencies. How would they handle a child getting hurt, a gas leak, an unexpected visitor? You're testing how they think under pressure, not their script.
Red Flags
- Reluctance to provide ID or a Certificate of Good Conduct
- Unreachable or dodging references - one is bad luck, two is a pattern
- Inconsistent work history or shifting stories
- Pressure to skip a trial period
One red flag, ask more questions. Two or more, walk away.
Doing the Check Properly
- Call references and ask specifics: Would you rehire them? How did they handle a bad day? Any issue with trust or money? A too-quick "they were fine" says more than a detailed answer.
- A Certificate of Good Conduct only confirms no criminal record on file, it says nothing about work ethic. That's what references and a trial period are for.
When DIY Vetting Isn't Enough
Three reference calls, a certificate check, an interview, it's real work on top of your actual job. Some families do it once, gladly, every time. Others would rather start from a shortlist that's already been identity- and reference-checked than build one from zero. A verified agency doesn't replace your judgment, it just front-loads the paperwork. Worth browsing verified agencies on Helper Advisor if that sounds like less of your evening gone.
FAQs
(Q) Is it legal to background check a house help in Kenya?
(A) Yes, requesting ID and a Certificate of Good Conduct is standard and legal.
(Q) Reference check vs. background check, what's the difference?
(A) A background check confirms official records. A reference check tells you how they actually worked. You need both.
(Q) Can I hire without an agency?
(A) Yes. It just means all the vetting work sits with you instead of being partly done upfront.
Ready to hire with confidence? Browse verified house help profiles, every candidate's checks are already started.
Still have questions? Read the full hiring FAQ.