Why Kenyan Creator Boina Wants You to Tip Restroom Staff

Kenyan food content creator Boina has urged patrons in restaurants, bars, and other hospitality venues to recognise the work of washroom attendants by tipping them. She says their contribution to the overall customer experience is often overlooked.

Washroom Attendants Often Ignored

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In a recent TikTok video, Boina noted that while bartenders and waitstaff routinely receive gratuities, washroom attendants rarely do. “Even small tips make a real difference,” she said, highlighting the attendants’ role in keeping restrooms clean and comfortable for visitors.

“Tipping should be recognition for work done, not an obligation,” Boina said.

She suggested amounts between KSh100 and KSh500, explaining that these sums can meaningfully support attendants’ daily lives.

Tipping Culture in Kenya

Tipping in Kenya is not mandatory, but common in many service sectors. Guidelines for restaurants and bars suggest:

10–15% of the bill in formal settings
Small amounts in casual or fast-food venues

Many service workers rely on these tips to supplement earnings. Surveys indicate that waitstaff and similar roles can receive KSh200 to KSh1,000 per day in tips, with larger amounts in exceptional cases. These funds often cover essentials such as food, transport, and school fees.

Beyond Food and Beverage

Tipping is also customary in other hospitality roles. Kenya’s tourism and hospitality guides note that small gestures are appreciated by:

Porters and luggage handlers
Housekeepers and cleaners
Safari guides

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Such tips are particularly meaningful in sectors where base wages may be modest.

Focus on Fair Recognition

Boina’s call comes amid wider discussions on tipping norms in Kenya, where some argue that service charges and wages should provide a stable income, while others see discretionary tips as valuable supplements. Her message brings attention to a group of workers often unseen but essential to hospitality experiences.

Boina is a popular Kenyan content creator known for her engaging food videos that explore flavours, culture, and everyday dining experiences. She first gained attention on TikTok and Instagram by sharing approachable recipes, restaurant reviews, and street food discoveries, connecting with audiences through her warm, relatable style.

Her content spans traditional Kenyan dishes, international flavours, and unique twists on everyday meals, making cooking both fun and accessible. Beyond recipes, Boina often highlights the people behind the food, from chefs and restaurant staff to street vendors, giving followers insight into the work and passion that goes into every dish.