Why Nairobi Mothers Are Worried About Nannies Not Returning to Work

For many mothers in Nairobi, January does not only usher in a new year; it comes with a familiar knot in the stomach. Beyond school fees, traffic, and the return to work, one concern dominates conversations in parenting circles and online forums: Will the nanny come back after the holidays?

This year, the conversation has been louder, more candid, and at times humorous. Social media has been awash with personal experiences that highlight just how fragile  and personal nanny–boss relationships can be.

Content creator Maureen Waititu recently shared that her nanny blocked her phone number despite being given a raise in December and paid half her January salary in advance. On the flip side, Wanjiru Njiru proudly narrated how her nanny returned from the village bearing a live chicken as a gift for her son, Tawa,  a gesture many parents interpreted as loyalty and appreciation. Then there was Nurse Judy, who jokingly remarked that her nanny “cannot go anywhere” because she earns more than a nurse in Kenya.

These stories, though varied in tone, point to one reality: nanny employer relationships are deeply human, emotionally charged, and often misunderstood.

Why January is a breaking point

The December holiday season changes dynamics. Nannies return home, reconnect with family, reassess their lives, compare jobs with peers, or sometimes receive advice not to go back. Others discover new opportunities or simply feel undervalued once removed from the daily rhythm of the household.

For employers, the absence of a nanny can be disruptive and stressful. For nannies, returning to work may come with emotional, financial, or logistical reservations.

So how can parents improve the odds of their nanny returning  and staying  after the holidays?

Practical tips to strengthen nanny–boss relationships

1. Treat the relationship as professional, not transactional
A nanny is not “help”; she is a childcare professional entrusted with your home and your children. Clear contracts, agreed leave days, notice periods, and open discussions about expectations build mutual respect.

2. Communicate before the holiday break
Before your nanny leaves for the holidays, have an honest conversation. Confirm return dates, discuss any concerns, and ask how they are feeling about the job. Silence often creates room for assumptions on both sides.

3. Pay fairly  and transparently
While higher pay does not guarantee loyalty, unfair or inconsistent pay almost guarantees resentment. Pay on time, document salary increments, and be clear about advances or January payments to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Show appreciation beyond money
Sometimes it is not about the salary alone. A simple thank-you, a Christmas bonus, a thoughtful gift, or acknowledging their contribution to your child’s growth can go a long way. Feeling seen matters.

5. Respect their time off
Avoid excessive calls during leave unless absolutely necessary. Giving your nanny mental space during the holidays signals trust and respect, making a return to work less emotionally taxing.

6. Create a healthy work environment
Long hours, unclear roles, emotional pressure, and lack of boundaries are common reasons nannies walk away. A supportive, predictable environment encourages longevity.

7. Prepare for the possibility they may not return
As uncomfortable as it sounds, parents should always have a contingency plan. Life happens. People change. Planning ahead reduces panic and resentment.

The January nanny dilemma is not about villains and victims. It is about relationships. When trust, respect, and fairness exist, loyalty often follows, sometimes even in the form of a live chicken from the village.

As parents navigate careers and caregiving in an increasingly demanding city, perhaps the real takeaway is this: when we treat those who help raise our children with dignity, empathy, and professionalism, everyone wins  especially the children.