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Indigenous Tagging Games in Kenya
Indigenous tagging games in Kenya are part of a long-standing tradition of children’s play that emphasizes movement, quick thinking, and social interaction.
These games are usually played in open spaces such as schoolyards, village clearings, or homesteads, and they require little to no equipment.
Define Indigenous Tagging Games
What defines them is the core idea of chasing and “tagging” another player, with rules that often vary slightly from one community to another.
At their core, these games are about agility, awareness, and group dynamics.
They are also an important way through which children learn cooperation, competition, and social roles within their communities.
Examples of Tagging Games in Kenya
Examples of Indigenous Tagging Games in Kenya #1: Kati (or Kati-Kati)
One of the most widely recognized examples is Kati (or Kati-Kati). In this game, players are divided into two groups. One group stands in the middle while the other stands at opposite ends and throws a ball in an attempt to hit those in the middle. The players in the center must dodge the ball to avoid being “tagged.” Once hit, a player is out, and roles eventually switch. This game combines tagging with elements of dodging and teamwork.
Another familiar game is Cha Mama (Mother’s Game). Here, one player takes on the role of the “mother” and chases the others. When the mother tags someone, that player becomes the new mother. The structure is simple, but it reflects social ideas around roles and responsibility while keeping the game fast-paced and engaging.
A more direct form of tagging appears in games like Hunia, played around the Mount Kenya region among communities such as the Meru, Embu, and Kikuyu.
The game begins when one child taps another and shouts “hunia,” triggering a chase. The tagged player must try to tag the other back, creating a continuous back-and-forth pursuit. The name itself reflects the idea of “I’ve touched you, now you try to touch me.”
There are also structured chasing games like Mpararo (sometimes described as “police and thief”). In this version, one group acts as pursuers while the other tries to evade capture. Tagging is used to “arrest” players, and the game often involves strategy, teamwork, and coordination.
Simpler variations include games where one person is designated as “it,” such as Engwaro or local versions of “Chako Chako.” The chaser attempts to tag others within a defined area, and once tagged, the new player becomes “it.” Some versions introduce rules like safe zones, boundaries, or penalties for leaving the playing area.
Cultural and Social Importance
Indigenous tagging games in Kenya are not just recreational. They are tied closely to everyday life and cultural learning. These games help children develop:
- Physical skills such as speed, balance, and endurance
- Social awareness, including turn-taking and respect for rules
- Strategic thinking, especially in team-based chasing games
They also reflect the environments in which they are played.
For example, games may include boundaries that mimic homestead layouts or incorporate roles like “mother,” “police,” or “protector,” which mirror real-life social structures.
Photo credits: artsysolomon / pixabay, Global Citizen