Fences are made by men using four different types of trees, while women construct the houses. Traditionally, homesteads are shared by more than one family. However, due to the new land management system in the Maasai region, it is not uncommon to see a homestead occupied by a single family. The Maasai houses, Inkajijik, are loaf-shaped and made of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and urine. Women are responsible for making the houses as well as supplying water, collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family.
Warriors are in charge of society's security while boys are responsible for herding livestock.
During the drought season, both warriors and boys assume responsibility for herding livestock. Every morning before livestock leave to graze, an elder who is the head of the inkang sits on his chair and announces the schedule for everyone to follow. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who live under a communal system. The movement of our livestock is based on seasonal rotation. Contrary to many claims made by outsiders, particularly the Hardinian school of thought, this communal land management system allows us to utilize resources in a sustainable manner.