The national educational system consists of three levels: eight years of compulsory primary education (beginning at age six), four years at the secondary level, and four years of higher education. The government provides free primary and secondary education. Kenya’s government made primary school free for all Kenyan children in 2003. Prior to this, the cost of education was prohibitive for many families. Maasai families, whose wealth is determined by the number of livestock they own, could not always afford to send their children to school. Also, attending school regularly during times of drought can be difficult for Maasai children as families may need to travel great distances in order for their livestock to graze.
While traveling in Kenya and talking to the locals we heard repeatedly that ultimately the cost of schooling is the cost of uniforms. many parents cannot afford it and children do not go to school until they can. When I fact-checked this upon my return home, I discovered that kenyan school uniform cost is $5-6 on average ( vs $30 as we have been told by locals.) Not sure how to reconcile those facts.
The Maasai live in Kraals arranged in a circular fashion. The fence around the kraal is made of acacia thorns, which prevent lions from attacking the cattle. It is a man’s responsibility to fence the kraal. While women construct the houses. Traditionally, kraals are shared by an extended family. However, due to the new land management system in the Maasai region, it is not uncommon to see a kraal occupied by a single family. The Inkajijik (Maasai word for a house) are loaf-shaped and made of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow’s urine. Women are responsible for making the houses as well as supplying water, collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family. Warriors are in charge of security while boys are responsible for herding livestock. During the drought season, both warriors and boys assume the responsibility for herding livestock. The elders are directors and advisors for day-to-day activities. Every morning before livestock leave to graze, an elder who is the head of the inkang sits on his chair and announces the schedule for everyone to follow.
