A proposal by Nairobi Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria urging Parliament to introduce a housewife allowance for married women has sparked widespread debate online, with supporters praising the idea as long-overdue recognition of unpaid domestic work while critics have questioned its economic and practical implications.
Mosiria argued that homemakers perform essential work that often goes unnoticed despite shouldering much of the responsibility for raising children, managing households and supporting their families.
“Being a homemaker is a full-time responsibility that often goes unrecognized and unpaid.”
According to Mosiria, many husbands spend significant time away from home for work, business, social engagements or other commitments, leaving much of the day-to-day care of children and household management to their wives.
He said it was time for lawmakers to acknowledge the contribution of homemakers through legislation that would provide financial support to married women who dedicate themselves to running their homes.
Supporters welcome the proposal.
The proposal drew praise from many social media users, who described it as a progressive conversation about recognizing unpaid care work.
One user, identified as reenaroy, wrote: “Real talk 🙌 can we get a Mosiria in my country 😭.” Another, liz201217, commented: “Every working man with common sense will give his wife more than 10%. Happy wife, happy home.”
User anjiku_anjiru added: “👏👏👏 It’s so refreshing to see men fighting for women. Thank you, kind sir.”
Others simply expressed agreement, with nicolesarah254 writing: “Kabisaaa😂.”
Critics question affordability
Not everyone supported the proposal. Some argued that introducing a housewife allowance would place an additional financial burden on families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
User solinaenfuego wrote: “The government is already taxing us 30% and you want an extra 10% gone? Churches also ask for a monthly tithe. That leaves men with only half their income.”
Another user, nelsonbyegon, dismissed the proposal, commenting: “Mosiria acha ufala umeshika ya bibi yako😂.”
Others questioned the principle behind the idea. kalajosh7 asked: “Kwan watoto ni wa nani?” while perilericah remarked that many men find it difficult to part with their money.
Some users also reacted with humour, including jerry_jamex, who posted: “We wacha 😂😂 iooooo,” while susan_mahihu questioned whether such a proposal could realistically happen in Kenya.
“It is time to recognize and appreciate the contribution of homemakers.”
