Video Transcript
Introduction
My name is Jacinta Mwendo. I work as a domestic worker. I do it during morning hours. I go at 7:00am and leave at 1:00pm. Then I come and open my business. I sell clothes and other items.
I am a member of the Kenya Union Of Domestic Hotels Educational Institutions Hospitals & Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA). I joined KUDHEIHA in 2007.
I thought about opening this business because of my low salary. I saw it as a way of saving because I have so many responsibilities. I have a family and saw what I was getting was not enough, and going through a lot of hardships.
What are some of the challenges in your work?
The challenge for the domestic work is little salary, being mistreated, being harassed by a male boss, and you can’t tell the wife so you just leave without saying anything.
The challenge for this business is that a day can pass without selling. At times you are required to pay City County levy, yet you don’t have. There are a lot of challenges. We pay a small levy to City Council unlike big shop owners who pay more.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would like to see my stall grow, I get more finances. I would like a pay rise as a domestic worker, and equity among all workers. There should be fair treatment for both office and domestic workers. I pray when we pass C189 all workers should be equal.
For my business, I would like to get a pay rise to enable me expand it. I can move to a bigger shop, I get a license and start selling many items. I want it to grow and even employ people to help me run it.
Has the union made a difference in your life?
By being a KUDHEIHA member, we have been taught a lot of things with regards to our rights. You know when to report to work, how much you should be paid. Even if you are underpaid, when you leave, you will be compensated. The knowledge I have gotten from KUDHEIHA has been of great help. It has helped me know my rights. At times KUDHEIHA officials encourage us to continue working hard because we are members. KUDEIHA has helped me know my rights.