Ibinda (age set)

– *La Fontaine states there are eight "age classes" but lists seven names, the order of which is questionable. ==Marakwet==

There are corresponding female age-sets among the Marakwet; for example, Kaberur (male) – Chemeri/ Chemeri Kipchesum (female), Kaplelach (male)- Tabesit / Tabesit Ruompo Laikok (female), Kipnyikew/ Kipmke (male)- Silingwa (female), Nyongi (male)- Kaptura (female), Maina (male) – Charkina (female), Chumo (male) – Kipturbei (female), Sowe (male)- Chelyong/ Kapcheusi (female), Korongoro (male)- Cheptentur/ Sikinkin/ Kesengen (female). The Marakwet used to circumcise girls alongside boys. However, the naming of female age-sets changes according to prevailing events. ==Nandi==

Historically, the Nandi had eight cyclical age-sets or , however they dropped one for a total of seven. Legend has it that the members of this ibinda were wiped out in war. For fear of a recurrence, the community decided to retire the age-set. The order of Nandi is given below. • Maina • Chumo • Sawe • Kipkoimet • Kaplelach • Kipnyigei • Nyongi Age sub-set (siritiet) In each age-set, the initiates were bundled into or what can be understood as a 'team'. There are four 'teams' or in an ibinda namely: • Chongin • Kiptaito • Tetagaat (literally cow's neck) • Kiptaruiyeek - Kiptoiinik (literally young calves) ==References==