Diana Marua, a Kenyan socialite and businesswoman, recently made headlines for revealing that she pays her househelp, Irene Nekesa, a salary of Ksh 100,000. This amount is considered to be quite high, especially when compared to the average salary of a househelp in Kenya, which is typically between Ksh 8,000 and Ksh 20,000.
The revelation by Diana Marua has sparked a debate about the fair compensation of domestic workers in Kenya. Many people have praised her for paying such a high salary, arguing that it is a reflection of her respect for the work that Irene Nekesa does and her commitment to treating her as a valuable member of her household. They also point out that paying a higher salary can help to attract and retain skilled and dedicated domestic workers, who will be more likely to stay in the job for a longer period of time.
On the other hand, some people have criticized Diana Marua for paying such a high salary, arguing that it is an unnecessary extravagance and that the money could be better spent on other things. They also point out that paying such a high salary can create unrealistic expectations among domestic workers, who may begin to demand similar salaries from other employers, which could lead to an inflation of wages in the domestic worker market.
Personally, I believe that Diana Marua’s decision to pay Irene Nekesa a salary of Ksh 100,000 is commendable. It shows that she values and appreciates the work that Irene Nekesa does and recognizes the importance of providing her with a fair and reasonable salary. Additionally, paying such a high salary can also serve as a benchmark for other employers, encouraging them to pay their domestic workers a fair wage.
However, it is also important to consider the broader context of domestic worker wages in Kenya. While paying a high salary to one domestic worker is commendable, it is also important to ensure that all domestic workers are paid a fair wage, regardless of their employer. This can be achieved through policies such as minimum wage laws and collective bargaining agreements for domestic workers.
Overall, Diana Marua’s decision to pay Irene Nekesa a salary of Ksh 100,000 is a positive step towards valuing and respecting domestic workers in Kenya. However, it is also important to consider the broader context of domestic worker wages and to ensure that all domestic workers are paid a fair wage.
