Minimum wage for domestic workers

I work as a live-in housekeeper in Dar es Salaam and clean, cook, and help look after two children. I work six days a week and sleep at my employer’s house. I currently earn TZS 100,000 per month. I have heard that the government has revised the minimum wage for domestic workers. This was exciting news, as I had been looking forward to asking for a raise from my employer, and having this legal backing will strengthen my case. What does this new law say about wages for domestic workers? Enlighten me.

AM, Dar es Salaam

A new wage order was indeed issued, providing the minimum wage for workers in various sectors, including domestic work. The Labour Institutions (Minimum Wage for Private Sector) Order, 2025 (G. N. No. 605A of 2025) is made under section 97(1) of the Labour Institutions Act, Cap. 300 [R.E. 2023]. Under Order 4, the Minister prescribes that ‘the minimum wages for employees in the private sector shall be as prescribed in the Schedules to this Order.’ The Domestic Work or Services Sector is found in Schedule 2, paragraph 4, which states: (a) Domestic workers employed by diplomats and major businessmen, TZS 328,000 per month; (b) Domestic workers employed by entitled officers, TZS 265,000 per month; (c) Domestic workers who do not reside in the household of the employer, other than those employed by diplomats, major businessmen and entitled officers, TZS 160,000 per month; (d) Other domestic workers other than those specified in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c), TZS 80,000 per month.

From what you have stated, you live with your employer and are not employed by a diplomat or entitled officer hence your position generally falls within the category in sub-paragraph (d). Since you earn TZS 100,000 per month, this amount is lawfully above the minimum wage of TZS 80,000 fixed for that category. If our understanding is incorrect, your answer can be found in the other categories mentioned above.

While your pay already satisfies the legal minimum, you may still negotiate for a raise since what the law prescribes is the minimum, and parties are free to negotiate above the minimum amount. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.

Passenger refusing to pay

I am a motorcycle driver commonly known as a boda boda. Last week I carried a passenger who had been dropped off at a bus stop since traffic was heavy that morning. On the way, he lamented having to wake up early to arrive at work on time, and sometimes he is forced to abandon the bus and take a boda due to traffic. I sympathised with him but also joked that his peril is my luck, and we had a laugh. Surprisingly, when we arrived, he refused to pay, saying, ‘You have no receipt, so there is no proof I owe you.’ He even dared me to report him. Can I take any legal action, or is it my loss because I am an informal rider? Please guide me.

JB, Arusha

The law safeguards even informal service providers. By utilising your motorcycle transport services, the two of you essentially entered into a contract. The Law of Contract Act Cap. 345 [R.E. 2023] states that every lawful agreement for services is binding once performance begins, even if not written. The passenger accepted the ride and thus formed an unwritten contract with payment consideration for using your transport services. Therefore, refusing to pay after receiving a service constitutes a breach of contract. Nonetheless, the main challenge we see is locating this individual. However, if he requested your services via a mobile application, as is common nowadays, then you can track him through the app. If so, report this to the app provider so they do not charge you for the trip, and the dispute can be officially documented and more easily resolved.

We recognise that local governments have endeavoured to formalise motorcycle transport services, including the formation of local boda boda associations. These associations can consider best ways for motorcycle service providers to issue receipts, such as using a simple fare book signed by passengers to strengthen future claims. Consult a lawyer for further guidance.

Neighbour burning plastic

I live in Mbeya and our neighbour constantly burns plastic and rubbish near our houses, creating smoke and a bad smell. We tried asking him to stop, but he says it is his right since it’s his compound. Can he really burn waste as he wishes on his property? Please guide us, we are suffering from this neighbour’s behaviour.

KL, Mbeya

Neighbours can sometimes be difficult. The disposal of plastic is governed by various laws, including the Environmental Management (Hazardous Waste Control) Regulations, 2021 (G.N. No. 389 of 2021), as plastic is classified as a hazardous waste under these Regulations. Regulation 71 states that anyone who produces hazardous waste must ensure it is (a) disposed of in an environmentally sound manner; or (b) handled by persons with collection and transportation permits under these Regulations.

Many households produce plastic waste because it is used in packaging various domestic items. The Regulations stipulate that hazardous waste, including household plastic waste, should be collected by authorised collectors or taken to recycling centres, as this is a responsible disposal method. Your local bylaws also have rules on waste management, so report any neighbour who breaches these to the local government authorities, as they have the power to require your neighbour to cease such practices. However, before taking drastic steps, consider informing your neighbour that private property rights do not extend to actions that threaten public health or environmental safety. Engage in a discussion, if necessary, and seek guidance from your local government authority for further action.