Kenyan Indigenous Games

18 Grade 9 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Kenyan Indigenous Games, with worked marking schemes. 18 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   6 marks

   During a cultural day, the Grade 9 class is asked to organise and present a traditional Kenyan indigenous game.

   (a) Apart from entertainment, state THREE values that indigenous Kenyan games promote in the community. (3 marks)

   (b) Identify ONE indigenous Kenyan game and briefly explain how it is played. (3 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any three values: promote unity/social cohesion and cooperation among community members; teach skills such as counting, strategy and decision-making; develop physical fitness, agility and coordination; preserve and pass on cultural heritage/traditions; instil discipline, honesty and respect for rules. (3 marks) (b) Any one game with a correct brief explanation, e.g.: - Kati: two players (throwers) stand at opposite ends and try to hit the players standing in the middle with a ball; the players in the middle dodge to avoid being hit, and a player who is hit is eliminated. Teams switch roles once all the middle players are out. - Bano (marbles): players flick marbles with the fingers aiming to hit an opponent's marble or knock marbles into a hole. (Identification 1 mark + explanation 2 marks = 3 marks)

2. Question 2

   1 mark

   In the indigenous game 'Kati', players in the middle try to avoid being hit by a ball thrown by players on the sides. Which skill does this game mainly develop?

   A. Reading fluency

   B. Photographic composition

   C. Dodging and agility

   D. Painting technique

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   5 marks

   Describe how the indigenous game Ajua (mancala) is played and state ONE skill it develops.

   (5 marks)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a traditional Kenyan indigenous board game played by moving seeds or stones between hollow pits?

   A. Monopoly

   B. Chess

   C. Ajua (mancala)

   D. Snakes and ladders

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Which of the following is an example of a Kenyan indigenous game played with small round objects flicked or thrown by hand?

   A. Baseball

   B. Bano (marbles)

   C. Ice hockey

   D. Rugby sevens

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a common feature of most Kenyan indigenous games?

   A. They need expensive imported balls

   B. They require electricity to play

   C. They can only be played indoors

   D. They use locally available and inexpensive materials

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Learners playing a jumping game over a stretched loop made of tied rubber bands are playing which indigenous-style game?

   A. Ten-pin bowling

   B. Golf

   C. Formula One racing

   D. Kamari/rope skipping (elastic jump)

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   6 marks

   During a cultural day, Grade 9 learners organise traditional Kenyan games to entertain visitors and to keep their culture alive.

   (a) Name TWO Kenyan indigenous games. (2 marks)

   (b) Explain THREE values or benefits that the community gains from playing indigenous games. (3 marks)

   (c) State ONE reason why indigenous games are at risk of disappearing today. (1 mark)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any two indigenous games, e.g. ajua/bao (the seed-and-board game), wrestling, kati (ball-and-dodging game), rope skipping, spinning tops/spinning cone, archery (bow and arrow) contests, stick games, hide and seek. (b) Any three benefits: they promote physical fitness and good health; they pass on cultural values and heritage from one generation to another; they teach social skills, teamwork and cooperation; they provide entertainment and relaxation; they sharpen the mind (strategy/counting, e.g. in ajua); they strengthen unity and bonding within the community. (c) Any one reason: the influence of modern/electronic games and technology; western/foreign sports replacing them; urbanisation and loss of open playing spaces; lack of documentation and teaching to younger generations.

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A teacher organising indigenous games day explains the value of these games to learners. Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement about Kenyan indigenous games?

   A. They help preserve cultural heritage

   B. They promote physical fitness and social skills

   C. They require expensive imported equipment

   D. They can be played using locally available materials

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    6 marks

    Explain THREE ways in which Kenyan indigenous games contribute to the holistic development of a learner.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any THREE ways with explanation (2 marks each): Physical development - running, jumping, dodging build fitness, strength and coordination; Mental/cognitive development - games like ajua develop counting, memory and strategic thinking; Social development - playing together builds teamwork, cooperation and friendship; Emotional development - fun and success build confidence and manage emotions; Cultural development - passes on heritage, language and values.

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Learners play a traditional Kenyan board game using rows of holes and seeds, sowing and capturing seeds according to rules. This widely known indigenous game is called:

    A. Bao (Mancala)

    B. Draughts

    C. Chess

    D. Ludo

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Children in a village play a traditional board game using rows of hollows scooped in the ground and seeds that are scooped and dropped to capture the opponent's seeds. This popular Kenyan indigenous game is known as:

    A. Bano (marbles)

    B. Ajua (mancala)

    C. Kati

    D. Shake

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    Grade 9 learners are organising an indigenous games day to celebrate Kenyan culture.

    (a) Name TWO Kenyan indigenous games they could include.

    (b) State TWO benefits of playing indigenous games.

    (4 marks)

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14. Question 14

    4 marks

    Many Kenyan indigenous games are being forgotten by young people today.

    (a) Give TWO reasons why indigenous games are declining.

    (b) Suggest TWO ways schools can help preserve them.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) TWO reasons (1 mark each): competition from modern electronic games/technology (video games, phones); urbanisation/limited play space; westernisation and changing lifestyles; games not documented/passed on. (b) TWO ways (1 mark each): include indigenous games in Creative Arts and Sports lessons; hold indigenous games days/competitions; document and teach the rules; invite elders/community to demonstrate; form clubs.

15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A teacher wants learners to appreciate their culture through movement and rhythm using traditional games accompanied by songs. This shows that indigenous games are often linked to:

    A. Music, song and dance

    B. Computer programming

    C. Motor mechanics

    D. Formal examinations

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Which value is MOST directly promoted when children play indigenous games together in a village setting?

    A. Isolation from others

    B. Wasteful spending

    C. Disrespect for elders

    D. Social interaction and community bonding

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    The indigenous game 'Ajua' mainly helps to develop which of the following abilities in a player?

    A. Counting, strategy and mental calculation

    B. Loud singing

    C. Swimming endurance

    D. Long-distance running speed

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    Why is it important to preserve and continue playing Kenyan indigenous games?

    A. They preserve cultural heritage and identity

    B. They are more expensive than modern games

    C. They require imported equipment

    D. They have no health benefits

    (1 mark)

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