In their early years, children are frequently carried in the arms or on the backs of their mothers and fathers, and later, of older siblings. One major improvement in their life chances in recent years has been the introduction of vaccination for common childhood diseases. The well-being of under-fives is carefully monitored by clinics and mothers to ensure that they are reaching their development targets.
As they become older and acquire more independence, they spend a lot of time in the company of other children both at primary school and Koran school, and playing a variety of games. Children are also expected to help in household tasks such as fetching water, pounding rice and caring for younger siblings.
Older children enjoy playing or watching football, bao (a complicated East African board game), dancing, and dressing up to look their best and impress their peers. They are expected to take increasing responsibility for themselves. Boys often move out of their parents’ house and construct their own small houses alongside. Girls will be given increasing responsibilities in the household.
Marriage now usually takes place after the end of primary schooling when, in addition to becoming economically active as fishers or cultivators and assisting their parents, they spend time with their friends.
