we will soon be heading to Mars, Mathematicians find a cheaper but slower way to get to Mars

we will soon be heading to Mars, Mathematicians find a cheaper but slower way to get to Mars

  21:56    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Getting to Mars is never going to be cheap. But a couple of mathematicians have figured out how to shave some significant bucks off the price tag. Rather than fly to the red planet when its orbit brings it closest, the craft will "meet" it on the way. The strategy is called ballistic capture and involves launching the ship into a Mars-like orbit, but moving slower than the planet itself. Eventually Mars will catch up and all that fuel that would have been necessary to cruise to the planet suddenly becomes dead weight. This means there’s no need to carry it, so you can have a smaller, lighter craft. All of this adds up to a significantly cheaper journey. But there is one problem -- the journey will take much, much longer. As is, it would take six months to get to there, using ballistic capture would add several more months. It wouldn't be great for sending humans to Mars, but it could make sending future rovers much more affordable for NASA and other agency.

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Kalewenaik

Kalewenaik

  06:07    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Kalewenaik chebo biikab kokweet PROVERBS ON COMMUNAL LIFE Mokiyumen soruriet ye moen keetil.We do not shelter under the sosuriet* plant and then cut it. This proverb warns people against abusing or misusing a person whom they have benefited. It is equivalent to the proverb 'do not cut hand that feeds you'. * sosuriet is a plant of the banana family which has broad leaves. It is very refreshing to as a shed from the hot sun or from the rain under sosuriet. Mo kinyeren chorua kotakesikisie. We do not annoy a midwife while we are still bearing children. This proverb is some what similar to the one above. It means that one should not spoil relations with those on whom it is inevitable depend. Kergei lagoi ak kiyak. Children are like cattle. This proverb is uttered in mitigation for children who have erred. For example, a neighbour who complains that another person's children have destroyed some of his property is reminded that just as his cattle can wander into his neighbour's farm and cause havoc, so should he expect of children because they do not fully understand their limitations. Tinye bich kelat amotiche tugul tugun. All people have teeth but not all have property. This proverb refers to the obvious fact that we all have needs, but not all of us are fortunate enough to have the means for satisfying these needs. It may be used, for example, to comment on or to address a rich person who is insensitive to the plight of those who are not as rich as himself. Menemugei chi met. A person cannot shave his own hair. We are all dependent on one another and we should co-exist with that situation in mind. Makirorie kelat chebo chi. Nobody can use another person's teeth to smile. Although we co-exist either in a family unit or a community, there are affairs which are so private to us that we cannot expect others to mind them for us. Makimwoitoi sogon.A leaf should not be disclosed This proverb advises people on the importance of guarding delicate matters with utmost secrecy. O teekatet/konyit te tany ak muren.Respect is as big as a cow and a warrior.. For communal life to be harmonious there must be respect between people. The full implication of the proverb can only be understood by noting the importance of cattle to the Kalenjin. Cattle are not just important as economic assets, they are also regarded as a source of life. Bo chi tany kosobei. A cow belongs to one person only while it is alive. Sharing of resources is a very important aspect of communal life. Here the cow is used metaphorically as in the proverb above. Mewong'unegei sekem bok. Bees cannot get finished from a bee-hive. We cannot expect everybody in a community to be perfect, it is inevitable to have undesirable elements. Kakile iyestoi kaita ki rarat kilewo. It is said gossip can destroy a united family Petty gossip can destroy not only family unity but the solidarity of a whole community· Eun che chang kikelenyei tulwo. Many hands can uproot a mountain. Many hands make work lighter. Amechuchukchi chi ngor. Do not slip off stealthily leaving your companion wearing the garment you both used. Do not abandon your companion in a difficult situation to which both of you contributed. lyoktoi kiplekwa belion. A hare can send an elephant. This is a respectable way of asking for help from one's seniors. Keigei keetgoi. It is best for us to be like a tall tree. A great deal can be achieved through unity. Meterertoi boisio ngomami mestowo ak cheplakwa. No work can be accomplished without a shepherd and a child-minder. The co-operation of all is important in every endevour. Tangeamei keyaei. While we eat we should also work. This proverb ridicules people who co-operate with others only while reaping fruits of hard work but never contribute in the production. Ya mising chepuchan. Whatever is obtained free is bad. This is an emphasis on the importance of co-operation in work if expects to enjoy life. It is similar to the proverb above. Murchechang mobole kering. Too many rats cannot dig a hole. Although contributions from many people make work lighter there must be organisation. A project, for example, can be destroyed by having too many leaders. Maborei siyeet agenge kisiria. One nail cannot kill a louse Co-operation with others is inevitable if one wants to succeed Kalewenaik chebo biikab oret ak tupchosiek PROVERBS ON KINSHIP BOND Ngo samis murian kobo kot ne bo. A rat stinks but it has its own home. Even if a person is bad in the eyes of the society he has a home where he finds love and comfort from members of his family. Mabarei kuinet ab teta moitanyi. A cow's horn does not kill its calf. This proverb emphasizes the bond between a mother and her child. It can be used in various situations. For example, it may be used to comment on apparently harsh punishment of one person by another with whom he shares a bond. However harsh the punishment may appear, the bond between them is enough to show that this punish- ment cannot but have been meant to be corrective rather than destructive. O chi kaitang'ung. One's house is great. This proverb refers to the importance of the home in providing, for example comfort and solace for every individual, regardless of their situation in the outside world. Tupcho werit ak kwanda kounoto chepto ak kam. Son and father are like brothers, just like daughter and mother are like sisters. This proverb emphasizes the intimacy expected of members of the same family unit, and of members of one sex within that same unit. Kurkeet kirusin ak ichut. The door that hits you but you still enter through it. This proverb refers to the unavoidable relationship between an individual and his kinsfolk. Even if we quarrel or fight with our kin, the bond between us will always make us relate to each other and not entertain a complete rupture of relations. Ingen tarit konyin. A bird knows its house. (For the Tugen "tarit" means something very different) This proverb emphasizes the importance of homes just like the ones above. PROVERBS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING HUMANE Iputi tany ako bo kelien ang'wan kotmane chi nebo kelyen aeng’. A cow falls although it has four legs so what of a man with two legs. Since a cow has four legs it is expected to be very well balanced; yet it is not unheard of for a cow to fall down. Similarly, human beings cannot be expected to be faultless. Even the best of human being makes mistakes, therefore we should be ready to forgive. This proverb can also be used to caution against pride. For example a teacher who disregards the contributions of those under him can be reminded by the use of this proverb that even the greatest of men depends on the existence and co-operation of others. Ameparenan rotwet nemi eut ago mi nemi choge. Do not kill me with the sword in the hand but use the one in the sheath. Do not be hasty in meting out a punishment; reflect for a moment and this way you can avoid being too harsh. Amat ibeel cheringis. Do not burn the lizards. If you burn someone's house you may burn even the lizards which live there and are not guilty of the crime the owner may have committed. Punishment should be meted out sparingly to avoid jeopardizing 1 lives of innocent people who may have some relationship with offender. Bo eren chi sobei. There is shame for everyone who is alive. To err is human. Iyei ng'etuny lel. A lion may give birth to a jackal. Even a successful person can give birth to a misfit. We should Be accommodating and not expect too much from people. Kieli tany kong yon kicharei. We blindfold a cow when obtaining blood from it. Blood of cattle is a very nutritious contribution to the traditional diet of the Kalenjin. When blood is being obtained from a cow, the animal is blindfolded to prevent it from seeing its own blood and getting frightened to death by the whole experience. This is a way of avoiding exploiting a cow in a cruel manner. In the same way, the proverb advises, if we have to interact with someone in a manner which may be hurting to them, we should do it as gently as possible and avoid using beastly means. For example, in our dependence on people, we should avoid exploiting them to the point of forgetting that they are human beings who have feelings hence need understanding. Kituchi mwaimiat. We spare the life of a death witness. Mwaimiat or death witness is the term used for the sole survivor to battle troop. During inter-ethnic wars, it was customary for the Kalenjin to spare the life of one individual from an enemy troop that he could then take the information about the defeat and the defeat of his comrades back to his people. Mokibounen ga mugulel, kibounen buon. We do not build a house with the heart but with the lungs. The Kalenjin believe the heart to be hard and the lung; soft. This is used metaphorically to refer to rigidity and flexibility respectively, managing home affairs. By this analogy, if a home is organised with the heart it can be destroyed by the emotional nature of the heart. On the other hand, if the home is built by the lungs it is bound to grow since the softness of this organ accommodates ration and understanding, which are necessary in human relations. Makibarei kiyogiin. We do not kill a messenger. A person who brings bad news should never be punished since he is only doing a duty and he has not necessarily had a hand in creating the situation on which he is reporting. Kiwegu kiiyak chemi ole toror. The herd grazing on a cliff should be driven away first. A dangerous situation should be rectified first before asking questions about who caused it. Ngoriir lakwa komache rotwo kikochin keet. If a child cries for a knife give him a stick. If you notice a person leading himself into destruction, try ways of diverting his attention by getting him engaged in something that is harmless. This proverb can also be used in a situation where it is inevitable to relate to someone in a manner that is hurting to him. In such a case the proverb advises one to remember that the other person is a human being and therefore whatever one does, one should be as gentle (or humane) as possible. Wekse urwon bo ket. What goes around comes around. Do unto others what you expect to be done unto you Kalewenaik chebo ng'omnotet PROVERBS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING RATIONAL Kitestoi ng'amnot ng'ulatyo. We add wisdom to knowledge. Knowledge is not enough on its own. It must be applied wisely or In a rational manner. Mesas kap kasam amaiwe iro. Do not believe what you hear before you see it. We should not judge situations simply from what we hear; we observe for ourselves and then make our own judgment. Matikuren chi bonin komabanin. Do not call a person a witch before he has bewitched you Do not get prejudiced about someone just from what you hear at Evaluate their behaviour for yourself first and then make conclusion about them. Kakile banan iit. We say that the ear is a poor fellow. The ear receives everything,hich is uttered, bad and good as w truth and lies. The mind is therefore necessary to sieve the inf and retain only what is valid. Mokisasei sasan keruiyo kaita. We should not hate the hated until we sleep in their home Do not hate someone just because others say he is bad; wait prove it for yourself. Do not follow the current but make assessment of other people. Meeng'uchin kei chelelei somis. A jackal cannot know that it stinks. A person cannot evaluate himself objectively; a badly behaved person needs to listen to the public's assessment of his character. Makitestoi chepotany bei. It is not wise to mix milk with water. Milk and water are used metaphorically to symbolize truth and lies respectively. Mixing truth and lies causes confusion. People cannot get to the root of a problem if there is such confusion. Makiminei sundet goi. We cannot graft fat into liver. To endow a stupid person who is unwilling to learn with wisdom is impossible. Kigilei kot koimen. Wisdom grows everyday. There is no end to learning. Life is a continuous learning process. A healthy mind is the one which is always ready for acquisition of new knowledge and wisdom. Kiile kimaget yebo kipsitia kobo; yebo kipng'ulia kobo. The hyena said the day set for doing something is the day for doing it without turning back; it has got to be done. Think before you act; avoid being one-track minded like the hyena. Kalewenaik chebo ribeetab ge CAUTIONARY PROVERBS Ui keel belion. Move like an elephant. Do not hurry unnecessarily. Do not act rashly without thinking. An elephant is a big animal but it moves slowly. Therefore, slowness or taking one's time does not mean that one will belittle oneself. Mokimulenge chamastab kipyomet. Know or be aware of your limits. Do not try to copy other people. 'Chamasta'- is a Kalenjin, traditional garment made of hide. It is used for adornment. 'Kipyomet' is a big well-built person. • Mokisuute soteet komoi teta. Do not prepare the calabash before the cow has had a calf. Do not count your chicks before they are hatched. • Ngotebi ak chorin kotatun ichorsei. If you live with a thief you also become a thief. This is a warning against exposing oneself to bad influences. Mautye moset katwalet. A monkey never forgets how to jump. Once a habit is formed it is hard to discontinue. It is better to avoid getting into a bad habit than to try and correct it later when it has been formed. Makiboorchin kimakeet kowo. Do not show a bone to a hyena. Avoid courting trouble. Once you court trouble you have to face the consequences. Makikanye so turgut. Never wait for a buffalo while on the ground. You should seek ways of averting a problem before it becomes insurmountable. Makibirecini bei togoson. Water can never be forced uphill. You should arrest a difficult situation before it becomes impossible to deal with it. Makimetoi logoiyat ne mi ngweny ak kelabatyi ne mi barak. Do not leave the fruit which is on the ground and choose the one up on the tree. Do not harbour such high expectations that you abandon what you have already. The little you have in reality is worth much more than the great things you have only in fantasy. Makitetoi go Iuloot. Do not build a house which is tilted on one side. Do not start a project on the wrong footing and expect to improve on it later because it will fail. You have greater chances of success if you take the trouble to lay a solid foundation then when you lay a mediocre one and hope to be more committed later. Kibaregei kotenyi. He killed himself with his own arrow. This is a warning for people to guard against self-destructive folly. Kibirei ma kota komining. We should put out fire while it is still small. It is a warning against delaying saving a problem. Mokisup chi na kakomwei. Do not follow a person who is running away. Avoid being misled. Mokitesyin beek teret ago bo beek. We do not add water into the pot while we have only a little finger- millet flour obtained from begging. We should not bring more problems to ourselves while we have many others we haven't managed to solve. Metukyigei sabulbul. Do not cover a cartepillar under the clothes you are wearing. Do not try to prevent evil from being detected; it may destroy you. Kikiuny Jemuge maung'ak. We cannot hide Jemuge forever. We cannot prevent evil from being detected. Lies are short-lived. Kile kimakeet kimangen susut kotum kiineta. The hyena said that he did not know how to bite until he was taught. The person who initiates destructive elements cannot escape being destroyed. He may be the first to suffer the consequences. Involve- ment in evil is suicidal on the part of the culprit. Mokiribei bai komaam cherere. We do not look after our crops until they have been eaten by monkeys. This is a warning against the common tendency to delay attending to problems until they reach unmanageable proportions. Makibeelchindos kirogon aeng. We do not burn two sticks at once. Avoid committing yourself to too many things at a time. You may end up accomplishing nothing as a result. Ng'om chorin kotabne kinindet? If a thief is clever, what about the investigator. However cunning a thief is, he is bound to be caught one day. Mang'uchinge kimageet somisyo. A hyena cannot smell its own stench. This is a warning against people whose behaviour stinks. They may not want to admit their faults but they cannot fool the public. Kas ako mewalu. Hear but do not respond. There are times when it is better to maintain silence than to make a fool of oneself through talking. An example of this is communicating on a situation of which one is completely ignorant. Yeimache iwe am kapchii maat ikoiwoji weto. Do not shit in someone's home when you are leaving. Do not abuse hospitality. Avoid getting into bad terms with people because you never know when you may need them again.

Kalewenaik chebo moetnotet

PROVERBS ON GREED AND SELFISHNESS Makiibuchen kut ingweny kou ingok. Do not wipe your mouth on the ground like chicken. You should not be so greedy as not to appreciate what you get from others. Kakerer sese kut. The dog's mouth has been torn wide. This proverb ridicules people who eat greedily casting all sense of decency to the wind. Iwolu moo motony. The stomach brought down the eagle Greed can make peeple lose a sense of direction or lead them destruction. Ng'waan ngobo chi koanyiny ngobo tiony. It is bitter when it is for an animal but sweet when it is for a person. This is a warning against selfishness and insensitivity towards people. People are quick to notice that something is hurting when it applies to them, but when a similar thing applies to others they do not care. Kibar moo kimaget. The stomach brought down the hyena. Greed is destructive and can have suicidal effects on the greedy

Kalewenaik chebo kolosunetab ge ak menotet

PROVERBS WARNING AGAINST PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

• Mokilosuge omoilosun kokwet.

Do not praise yourself before you are praised by the community.This is a warning against arrogance and self-centredness. Even if you are successful you do not need to show off; others can see and appreciate your success without your having to boast about it.

• Makimene metop talamwa.

You should not be proud of a locust's head.The rich should show humility if they wish to be respected.

• Momei meure sebati.

Pride comes before a fall.This is a warning, for example, to very wealthy people who are so intoxicated with their wealth that they disregard other people's importance.

• Maomei rorion koi, ame chi.

Laughter does not strike a stone, it destroys people.If you ridicule those who are disadvantaged, you are bound to experience this same defect. This proverb is said, for example to a person who laughs at a physically handicapped person. It is believed that if you laugh at a person who has a physical defect, you will bear a child who is physically deformed.

• O belion amoyie saram.

An elephant is big, yet it does not give birth to twins.Those who are successful or in prestigious positions should realize that they too have certain limitations. They should not assume that they can do everything or that they can manage without the co-operation of others who may not be as successful as themselves.

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Her Parents and Doctors Were Ready to Give Up…but Her Brother Wanted to Sing a Song.

Her Parents and Doctors Were Ready to Give Up…but Her Brother Wanted to Sing a Song.

  05:46    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Her Parents and Doctors Were Ready to Give Up…but Her Brother Wanted to Sing a Song.
A must read for all Christians, Mothers and anyone who is hoping for a miracle
Walk with me
Like any good mother, when Kate found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son,Victor, prepare for a new sibling.
They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Victor sang to his little sister in Mommy’s tummy.
He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Kate.
In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Kate found herself in hours of labor.
Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Victor’s little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition.
She might not make it alive!
With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatric specialist regretfully had to tell the parents, “There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst.”
Kate and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby, but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.
Victor, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. “I want to sing to her,” he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.Victor kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in the Intensive Care Unit.
Kate made up her mind, though. She would take Victor whether they liked it or not! If he didn’t see his sister right then, he may never see her alive.
She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket, but the head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed
“Get that kid our of here, now!
NO children are allowed.” The mother rose up strong in Kate, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse’s face, her lips a firm line. “Victor is not leaving until he sings to his sister.”
The Head Nurse obliged Kate
Karen towed Victor to his sister’s bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.
After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a 3 year old, Victor sang:
“You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray.”
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. Her pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. “Keep on singing Victor,” encouraged Kate with tears in her eyes.
Victor continued singing
“You’ll never know, dear,
how much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
As Victor sang to his sister, the baby’s ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten’s purr.
“Keep on singing, sweetheart!” Kate cried....
“The other night, dear,
as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my hands…”
Victor's little sister began to relax and rest. A healing rest seemed to sweep over her.
“Keep on singing, Victor”
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse.
Kate glowed.
“You are my sunshine
my only sunshine
Please don’t take my sunshine away…”

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Reasons Why An Exercise Routine Can Boost Other Areas Of Your Life

Reasons Why An Exercise Routine Can Boost Other Areas Of Your Life

  23:36    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Reasons Why An Exercise Routine Can Boost Other Areas Of Your Life

1. The obvious, fitness and health

Being physically fit and healthy can positively affect anyone’s life. Alongside reducing risks of certain diseases and giving increased abilities such as physical work capacity, it will also help one’s stamina.

There are unlimited ways to work out and achieve specific results. From relaxation, to helping with stress release, to increasing endurance, muscle and strength – no matter who you are, there is something for you.

2. “I wish I could wake up earlier”

For those who wish to wake up earlier in the morning, starting your day with exercise is a great way to get you out of bed.

Have a routine on set days to keep you accountable to yourself. Achieving your exercise goals in the morning can set you up for the day.

An excuse I have often heard is, after work people are too tired to work out. Whilst that may be a valid reason, by getting your workout done in the morning, you don’t have to worry about missing any in the evenings.

3. It may inspire you to eat healthier

When you exercise and even when you don’t, your body requires that you eat sufficiently to avoid lethargy, damage and deficiencies.

Having an exercise routine may inspire healthy changes in the kitchen. Eating healthier is not just about prevention of diseases.

It will assist in your happiness, the way you think and also react. Understanding how food works in the body combined with exercise, showed me that an imbalance can cause other problems such as anxiety, irritability and anger.

What we put in our bodies will come out in some way. Let it be a healthy way.

4. A time to reflect and build a stronger mindset

Having a routine for exercise encouraged me to set aside time in the day for spiritual growth as well. Taking care of the body is only part of overall well being – the mind and soul require attention as well.

I have used exercise as a way to release emotions and stress. A long walk or run combined with prayer and reflecting over my life has brought refreshment to both my mind and soul. It’s a great way to appreciate all you have in life, with no interruptions.

5. Goal setting and achieving

When you are exercising and achieving your fitness goals, it becomes really evident that you can use the same practice in other areas. Being committed to the daily routine of exercise and seeing amazing results, I quickly became aware that this attitude can be used in other ways.

Setting goals in all areas of our lives will ensure that we are always growing and stepping out of our comfort zones.

6. Sharper business-person

Frustrated, stressing or need to resolve an issue at work or in your business? Ever thought of working out or doing something active to gain solutions? I have used exercise as a way to put aside my concerns and be open to ideas.

Focusing only on my workout and nothing else, the most creative thoughts have come to me, as well as words to write about. Also, whilst pushing myself, I visualize how the effort I put into my workouts can be applied to my work. It is a great way to find solutions.

Stress, frustration and anxiety can also be released during your workout. Give it a go and welcome better business deals.

7. Increase your energy

Exercise combined with healthy eating habits increases energy and alertness. This is probably one of my favorite things about adopting an exercise routine.

Whilst I do a range of training, I find that outdoor fast paced walking is one of the best energy increasing exercises. Everyone is different and I encourage you to find what works for you. Being alert and energized will no doubt carry over into your goals, work, study and family life.

The more I focused on exercising as a lifestyle, the more it increased my energy overall.

There are many more reasons why exercise is a great way to booster other areas of your life. Explore them and be open to the possibilities.

Routines can may be difficult in the beginning stages and remaining committed to them, but I encourage you to stick it out. The benefits outweigh the difficult parts.

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The benefits of exercise depends on the type of exercise participated in.

The benefits of exercise depends on the type of exercise participated in.

  23:27    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Some of the benefits of exercise are

• Maintenance of health and well being
• Increased energy levels
• Reduced risk of disease
• Increased self esteem
• Increased workability of joints and muscles
• Increased physical work capacity
• Increased cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency
• Changes in metabolism
• Weight management
• Delaying effects of ageing
• Social interaction/affiliation
• Stress relief

The benefits of exercise depends on the type of exercise participated in.

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Kalenjin Peoples - Marriage and Family

Kalenjin Peoples - Marriage and Family

  22:40    Tabutany ak Cheplangat

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Kalenjin Peoples - Marriage and Family

Marriage. Traditionally, marriage took place in two stages: ratet, a small ceremony after which the couple lived together, and tunisiet , a large public feast held only at the completion of bride-wealth payment. Among the Nandi, these stages have typically occurred in rapid succession since about the turn of the twentieth century; among some other Kalenjin, at least during certain periods, a separation of many years has been customary, probably depending on availability of cattle or other livestock. Most Kalenjin—with some exceptions, notably the Okiek—pay bride-wealth in cattle. Once payment is complete, marriage is theoretically irrevocable. Traditional divorce grounds and proceedings exist, but divorce is in fact extremely rare, even in modern times. Permanent separations occur but do not technically negate marriage.
Polygyny is prestigious and, in the 1970s, was practiced by about 25 percent of ever-married Nandi men. Christians were monogamous slightly more frequently than non-Christians. Woman-woman marriage, found among Nandi, Kipsigis, and, since about the mid-twentieth century, among Keiyo, is not customary among other Kalenjin. Both women and men are active in negotiating marriages and reconciling separated couples. Husbands are jurally dominant, with the right to beat wives for certain offenses. Wives are publicly deferential; private relations are more nearly egalitarian. Leisure is spent with same-gender companions more than with one's spouse.
Domestic Unit. Each wife has her own field, cattle, and house within the family compound. A separate farm for each wife is the ideal. Compounds may include the husband's parents or mother, and other kin, depending on circumstances. Brothers and their wives may share a compound, although this is rare.
Inheritance. Traditional norms of cattle inheritance have been extended to land, money, and other property. Each wife's house-property consists of cattle given to her at marriage, acquired by her on her own, or given as bride-wealth for her daughters. These may be inherited only by her own sons (or, in Nandi and Kipsigis, the sons of her wife). A man's other property is inherited in equal shares by each wife's house. Failing lineal heirs, a man's property reverts to his brothers or their sons, a woman's to her co-wives' sons.
Socialization. Infants are treated indulgently, but strict obedience (enforced by corporal punishment) is expected from children by about the age of 6. Routine care of infants and toddlers is largely the responsibility of girls between ages 8 and 10. Children are economically important and have heavy responsibilities. It is common to spend a part of childhood fostered by a relative, helping with domestic work in exchange for board and school fees.
Adolescent initiation (circumcision for boys and clitorides for girls, and instruction for both) is a key feature of Kalenjin life and ethnic identity. These are sex-segregated rituals for most, but not all, Kalenjin groups. Adolescents are allowed a period of license to indulge in courtship and sexual play—before initiation for girls and afterward for boys. Girls marry directly following initiation; boys become warriors. Today some (mostly highly educated) girls refuse initiation.

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