Ken and his family from Kenya

My name is Kennedy, I work as a marketing specialist at Boulevard Adventures  and I am a manager at Sowing and Reaping Vocational Training Centre. My wife’s name is Dorcas. Dorcas is a housewife and she owns her business making uniforms for schools and vending snacks. We have 3 kids, one son (Abel  is 16 years old) and two daughters (Debra is 11 and Kerinah 4). We live in Migori County near Lake Victoria. The place is semi arid and does not do well agriculturally. Main economic activity is fishing.

What kind of toys do your kids like to play with? 

Musical toys, baby dolls, animaldolls and toys. They have some traditionally and locally made toys such as shakers made using flattened bottle tops, plastic vehicle toys, a vehicle body skeleton made of wires, musical flutes made of hollow reeds e.t.c.

What are the local snacks for kids?

Potato crisps, doughnuts, puff-puffs, popcorn e.t.c. These are readily and locally available and cheap. Depends on the age of the kids. We have a variety of snacks.
My wife often prepares baked, sweet potatoes and bhajia for sale. Those are very popular snacks here in Kenya.

How do kids in Kenya spend free time? 

They play and sing in groups according to their ages. Families go for a walk to parks and playgrounds.
Kenya is a country of many parks and game reserves where wild animals and birds are found. They are also rich in flora and fauna. In my region we have Ruma national park. The only park in Kenya where the Roan Antelope is found. We also have Lake Simbi frequented by flamingos and many other areas of attraction along Lake Victoria. Among these attractions are mythical sites.

 What are the roles of parents in your country? What duties do belong to mother and to father?

Parents have different roles but some roles are common, like general care of the family. Mothers will ensure meals are well prepared for the family, ensure general house cleanliness, clothes are laundered, children are cleaned. Fathers are the sole bread winners in the family and make provisions for the basic needs the family wants. They provide clothing, ensure safe shelter and environment, ensure food is available for the family, ensure their education good health care and many more.

Can you explain how maternity leave works in Kenya? How long is it? Can young mom get back to work after it without any obstacles?

Maternity leave in Kenya is three months with full pay.. Leave days can be extended on request or agreement with the employer. A worker may be required to provide a certificate of medical condition from a practicing doctor.
Fathers are allowed two weeks of paternity leave after the birth of a child.

Does the country help families with kids? 

No. The government does not help parents by paying for their kid’s kindergarten education. However, we have a free primary education and subsidized high school education, the government pays only a small amount in high school while the parents pay the rest. The parents meet all the costs of College and University education.

Do you vaccinate your children? If so, against what?  Is it mandatory to vaccinate kids?

Yes we do vaccinate our children. They are vaccinated against diseases such as smallpox, measles, polio, tetanus, whooping cough or diphtheria e.t.c. It is advisable to vaccinate children against these diseases and the government puts more emphasis on it. Pregnant mothers are required to attend antenatal (prenatal) care and post-natal care in which case the children will be vaccinated against these diseases within six weeks of birth.

Is it safe to travel with a child to Kenya? 

It is safe to travel with a child to Kenya. Children between 6 and 11 Months need to be vaccinated against measles. Generally travelers to Kenya need to ensure an update of their routine vaccines before every trip. Kenya is a very friendly country to people with families and the families will be safe during their stay in Kenya. We are hospitable people.

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