By Omusolo Moses,

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has done well to come up with a concept aimed to assist domestic workers save for their old age.

The statutory body has declared that by the end of this month, it will be mandatory for every employer to set aside Sh400 as pension for his or her domestic workers(s). This is a good cause indeed.

However, in order for the plan to be feasible, and for the benefit of both domestic workers and their employers, some key measures have to be implemented.

If the employer has to willingly part with that amount, then the domestic worker has to reciprocate by delivering good quality services.

No satisfaction

The employer will need to be satisfied with what the worker’s performance, and there is no guarantee this will happen.

Also, NSSF has to set the minimum time period one must work for their employer before one can be allowed to leave their current employ for whatever reasons.

It is no secret that most domestic workers up and go whenever they please, irrespective of their employer’s wishes.

Most households boast of a high domestic turnover. This is not because they wish for things to be that way, but because those available for house work seem to have the mentality that such kind of work is not permanent.

Also, employers would want to know who will have the sole mandate to fire or discipline the domestic worker. And under what circumstances? Decided by whom?

Another thing is that, for the money to be of substantial help, the worker has to save for long, if not a lifetime.

This is because; the move by NSSF to tax domestic workers presumes they will work up to retirement age.

Are employers ready to keep their domestic workers for some considerable period of time without feeling the need to get another person?

For this reasons, it is essential there is some form of formal agreement to bind both the worker and his or her employer.

Additionally, NSSF has to monitor both employer and employee to ensure that no side is disadvantaged.

Inconveniencing host

There could be a scenario where an employer is defaulting in making payments for whatever reason, or the domestic worker is underperforming, inconveniencing his or her host.

Finally, many feel that the Sh400 is burdensome for low-earning employers.

When these issues are addressed, the idea may serve its well-intended purpose.