Other animals including goats, sheep and some domestic animals are also kept. Maasai huts are very small, with perhaps two 'rooms' and not enough height for these tall people to stand upright or lie fully stretched. They are also very dark with a small door-way and tiny hole in the roof. The Enkang used to be 'temporary' and something that could be built elsewhere if the Maasai had to migrate to fresh areas of grazing, although such action is less feasible these days. The very young children simply play within the Enkang , or mind the cattle herds nearby as they get older.
Boys tend to remain more keen to follow the ritual towards manhood.
In the past a Moran could be expected to prove his manhood by killing a lion armed with nothing more than a spear - but this process is no longer allowed under protective government animal legislation. Modern civilisation is forcing many of these activities to become traditional rather than real-life, however the passage into manhood still remains a significant step even today. Women look after the young children, milk the cattle, repair the huts, collect fire-wood, prepare the food and may need to travel many miles to fetch water. Finally they become respected elders. The Maasai are a proud and independent people who have survived despite incredible pressures, however their greatest challenges remain ahead.