Athletics and football are the most popular traditional sports in Kenya despite having originated from different continents.
Kenyan runners continue to set new marks in different athletic competitions, from the Olympic Games to Commonwealth Games, they have conquered almost everything.
As Kenyans from different corners of the country celebrate Utamaduni Day, some may have difficulties deciding which kind of sports to play to celebrate this important day.
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Below are the five main traditional games that Kenyans can enjoy.
Bao
Bao is a board game that is often played by community members in coastal regions of Kenya particularly Lamu.
The Luhya, Turkana and Samburu communities also have their own unique versions of Bao.
The sport is closely similar to Chess since it entails critical, complex and strategic thinking - the reason why most scholars are intrigued by it.
In the Coastal towns, an individual who is skillful at playing the game is commonly referred to as bingwa or fundi (master).
Wrestling
Traditional wrestling sport that used to be played in different parts of Kenya predominantly the Western region.
The Ameru people call it ndikano while their Abagusii counterparts refer to it as enyameni.
Among the Kenyan communities, energetic youths aged between the age of 15 to 35 are the ones who play the game - the competitor to fell his opponent is the winner.
When the game is played, members of society, both young and old, form a circle around the participants to cheer them on.
Cleanliness is strictly adhered to, since this kind of game involves body contact. Alcohol, drugs, holding the genitals and biting are not allowed.
The other thing about this unique game is that, defeat is shameful, thus participants must maintain discipline to win the game.
Bullfighting.
Among the Luhya community, bullfighting is one of the most important games. The game which was traditionally played to mark key events such as funerals has evolved over the years.
A stadium called Malinya was specifically constructed in Western Kenya to host bullfighting events.
The bulls which participate in the competition are usually treated in a special way. Most of them are kept under zero grazing and fed with an African traditional concoctions including Busaa, a local brew, hours to the kick-off.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is among the diehards of bullfighting - he is even nicknamed The Bullfighter.
Maasai Jump
Jumping vertically is also a traditional sport in the Maasai community. Members of the community usually converge and compete at different times of the year.
The one who jumps the highest is declared the winner and can be considered for leadership positions including being a village chief.
The sport also benefits the individuals who jump the highest because it increases their chances of getting a bride.
Stick fighting
Stick fighting is popular among the communities who live in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya particularly the pastoralists.
The Pokot and the Samburu communities play the game to entertain themselves while herding their livestock.
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