This archive report was first published on 29 August 2021.
On Lamu Island, a unique cultural practice has been observed where men take it upon themselves to buy groceries for their wives, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
According to residents, this is a man's job, and it is considered an honour for men to provide for their families in this way.
As you walk through the markets in Shela, Hindi, and Mokowe, you will easily spot men busy negotiating prices of vegetables with baskets on their heads or hanging on their shoulders.
One of the residents, Mohammed Said, says he doesn't mind going to the market and buying groceries for his wife. He believes it is a man's duty to provide for his family.
However, not everyone agrees with this practice. William Okoth, a sales manager, says that if men are the ones going to the market and cooking, then what will be the role of the woman?
He believes that the African society has allocated both men and women-specific roles, and that men should not be expected to do tasks that are traditionally associated with women.
Despite the controversy surrounding this practice, it remains a deeply ingrained part of the culture in Lamu County.
As one of the residents, Mustafa Hamau, puts it, 'Going to the market is part of a man's duty to provide for his family. There should be no shame in carrying a basket.'
However, with the influence of modernity and western culture, this tradition is slowly being eroded, and many young people are abandoning the practice of carrying baskets to the market.
