Nigerian startup KnowThatNanny has launched, aiming to change the way Nigerians hire and use domestic staff in order to improve safety and security.
KnowThatNanny has been launched in response to the number incidents of kidnapping and crime in Nigeria, some of which have involved nannies taking young children or stealing from their employers.
Users can submit reviews of various types of staff they have used, which are accessible by other users of the website. This user-generated data is verified and provided free of charge, with chief executive officer (CEO) Tobi Onalaja saying the idea was to change the way Nigerians hire domestic staff in order to avoid letting potential criminals into homes.
“We provide a platform for parents and homeowners to share both their good and negative stories regarding domestic help. Such information could prove vital in helping parents, but also ensuring that good staff are recommended by previous employers,” he said.
Onalaja said KnowThatNanny wanted to praise good staff while advising other people about the staff that should be avoided. The service is not restricted to nannies alone, but other forms of domestic staff such as housekeepers, drivers and cleaners.
The site – which plans to monetise through advertising – is user friendly and also designed to be a neutral point for employers and previous employers to communicate without giving out personal information.
“We have also made it very easy for former employers to leave staff reviews. Once you fill out the form and click send, our review team will verify your review to try and make sure it is true, fair and family friendly,” Onalaja said. “Shortly after this is done, you will receive a confirmation email showing the status of your review and, where appropriate, asking for an upload of a picture of the staff being reviewed.”
