There’s an uncomfortable silence which is quickly interupted by a question…

“Ni nini mbaya?”  Mama Boi asked.

“Kuchoka tu…” Baba Boi replied.

“Aii…apana. Kuna kitu inakusumbua. Ni nini? Niambie…”Mama Boi insisted.

“All my friends are getting their loans approved na sasa they’ve bought new boda bodas while mine have all been denied.” he vented out.

“How am I supposed to expand my boda business kama ata siwezi pata kasoft loan? Yet my credit score iko tu sawa. Hii 2022 inafaa iwe mwaka yangu but so far, niko nyuma!” Baba Boi lamented.

“Okay. Okay. Wacha I’ll see how to help”. Mama Boi encouraged him.

The next day, Mama Boi was having her bi-weekly chama in her house. She seemed to be detached from this meeting…

“Mama Boi, umefikisha cabbage huko kaloleni?” Mama Majembe teased.

“Mama Boi, Mama Boi”…

“Oh! Oh! Sorry, Mama Majembe. My mind had drifted kidogo.” Mama Boi snapped out of her thoughts.

“Eii, nimukuita mara mingi! Kwani leo huchangii meeting?” Mama Majembe asked.

“Pole. Nilikuwa nafikiria loan ingine hapo Baba Boi amekuwa akijaribu kuapply but hajafaulu. I wonder how I can help him…” Mama Boi inquired.

“What has he been wearing akienda kuapply loan kwa hio offici?” Mama Majembe asked.

“His kawaida motorbike suit. Why?” Mama Boi replied. “Hmmmm…Unajua ukiwa kwa boda boda, ni rahisi sana nguo yako kupata uchafu. Si vumbi, si matope, si kunyeshewa…so, unaweza pata nguo imepata stains over time. Unaweza angalia kama his suit 

has stains then do the necessary. Plus, watu husema first impression matters…” Mama Majembe advised.

“Btw!!! Mbona sikufikiria hivo. Wacha nitaenda supermarket after this meeting kuget sabuni strong!” Mama Boi replied.

Later that day, Mama Boi went to the supermarket. As she was strolling down the isle ya soaps, akaona the New OMO Bleach Multipurpose kwa shelf. Zilikuwa tatu. Regular, Color Safe na Lemon. They were all calling her name. She picked one and read the instructions carefully. Mama Boi was convinced it would work and she decided to try out OMO Color Safe. It was only 30 bob! 

Mama Boi got home in good time and washed Baba Boi’s Motor Bike Suit. As she was washing, the fragrance of the soap lingered in the air and the soap was super gentle on her hands. Once Mama Boi was done, she rinsed the suit and hanged it on the line to dry. 

“Baba Boi, I think you should go back to that office and reapply the loan.” Mama Boi advised.

“Sure?” Baba Boi asked.

“I have increased your chances of getting that loan approved.” Mama Boi confidently affirmed him.

“Aje?” Baba Boi asked.

“I have my ways.” Mama Boi smirked.

“Fine, ntakuwa hapo kesho by 7 am.” Baba Boi agreed.

True to his words, Baba Boi was at the office by 7 am sharp! He noticed the admin was smiling at him and surprisingly asked him where he got his suit. Kidogo kidogo, the admin gave him his application papers with a stamp of approval. Everything was happening fast, it almost felt like one of those “DJ Afro’s” movies. Haraka haraka, Baba Boi got on his bike and dashed home to share the news with his wife.

“ My beautiful goddess! My loan has been approved! “ Baba Boi hugged his wife.

“That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! You can now get more bodas for biashara” Mama Boi replied.

“ Oh yes!!! Ebu niambie, how did you do it?” Baba Boi asked.

“It’s the OMO Bleach Multipurpose I used to wash your suit. And it worked!” Mama Boi gleefully replied.

“Ha! That’s why the admin kept asking where I got my suit from. You smart woman!” Baba Boi replied. 

It was a good day at Boi’s home and everyone was happy! What a relief!  

The post Tough Stains Don’t Last! – Keeping Up With Boi appeared first on Akili TV.

“Mummmm! Keni anakata kunipea remote!” Boi cried “Keni, ebu peana remote. Sisi tunataka kuwatch Peep and The Big Wide World.” Mama Boi commanded. This is a normal Sunday at Boi’s Home. One of the kids is always crying for the remote and Mama Boi intervenes.

“Peep and The Big Wide World ikiisha, si tufanye general cleaning. Kila mtu, atakua na a small task kufanya ndio tumalize kazi haraka, sindio?” Mama Boi requested.

“Okay, mum! Usijali tutasaidiana, ” Boi and the rest of the family agreed. True to their word, as soon as they were done watching Peep, they all started cleaning the house when they heard a voice on Akili Kids!

“This December

Let’s put the FAM in FAMILY!

Introducing…Akili Fam!

Come Tucheze

Tucheke

And have fun together tukiwatch

New Family Shows

New seasons of your favorites programme

Naaa…..

Saturday Night Movies!

Leta siz, mum, bro, dad, grand pa, grand ma na pia bring

your dog

Akili Fam!

Every Friday and Saturday 

Starting 3rd December

6PM – 10Pm

We are Family!”

“Dad! Mum! Mumeskia? Akili Kids! wanaleta new shows and movies this December!” Boi exclaimed! “Eweeeeee! Sasa hatutakuwa tunalala mapema on Fridays na Sato! Hehehehe” Sydo added with a cheeky smile.

“That’s nice! Inaonekana hii Krisi itabamba sana vyenye wameintroduce Akili Fam! Hatutaboeka and will have an awesome time together tukiwatch Akili Fam! on Akili Kids!” Baba Boi mentioned.

“Ah! Na pia wamesema wataleta episodes mpya of our favourite shows!!!!” Keni commented.

“I hope wataleta episodes mpya za Wild Kratts…” Mama Boi mentioned.

“Mimi nagojea tuone hii show mpya ya All Round Champion!!!!!” Boi cheerfully remarked.

“I bet it will be fun…” Baba Boi added.

Boi and his family continued with their chores as they planned for Friday night and they were all looking forward to watching all the new seasons, shows, and movies on Akili Fam!

Are you excited about Akili Fam!? Let us know which shows and movies are you looking forward to watching with your family in the comment section below.

The post Fridays and Saturdays Are For….🥁🥁 – Keeping Up With Boi appeared first on Akili TV.

“Wewe Brayo! Leta hiyo sweater yako ama hutacheza na sisi!” Boi said in a gruff voice.

“Boi! Wacha hizo…si last time nilikupea lunch box yangu? Wacha tu nicheze na nyinyi woiye…” Brayo pleaded.

“Sisi ni ma-first body! Leta sweater yako kama unataka kucheza na sisi,” Boi insisted.

“Eeee! Peana hio sweater yako kama unataka kutujoin!” His friends incited.

“Saweni tu!” Brayo sobbed as he gave Boi his sweater and ran back to class.

“Nkt! Brayo anakuanga msofti! Ata ana bahati ni hometime. Ningeendelea kumchokoza! ” Boi said with a shrug of pride.

“Lakini wewe Boi pia hungechukua sweater yake. Atavaa nini akienda home?” One of his friends asked reproachfully.

“Nye nye nye nye nye! Pia wewe umekuwa msofti? Ah! Mimi naenda home. Tupatane kesho,” Boi swaggeringly wrapped his new sweater around his neck as he said goodbye to his friends.

( Later on…it was a quiet evening at Boi’s home. Baba Boi was reading a newspaper, Boi and his siblings were watching Bob The Builder on Akili Kids! TV and Mama Boi was folding clothes when she noticed something peculiar)

“Boi! Hii sweater ni ya nani?” 

“Eeeeh…Mum unasema?” Boi replied cluelessly.

Then it dawned on Mama Boi…

“Aiyaya! Boi, usiseme hii sweater ni ya Brayo! Eh?” 

“Mum sikuelewi,” Boi tried to downplay his mother’s revelation.

“Mwalimu wako amenipigia simu leo jioni kuniambia ulichukua lunch box na sweater ya Brayo by force. Nilidhani mwalimu maybe ameku-mistake na kijana mwingine lakini! Kumbe ni ukweli?” A disappointed Mama Boi replied. 

At this point, Boi was feeling quite nervous, his palms were sweaty and he kept fidgeting.

“Maa-aaa–m ni-ni-ni-nilikuwa nataka sweater yake juu-juu-juu…”

“Ju ni nini?” Mama Boi interrupted.

“Ju ni smart na najua ningekuambia unibuiye kama hio ungesema hauna doh.” Boi stammered. 

“Ata kama Boi. Hufai kuchukua vitu za watu! Na nikikuambia sina pesa, hufai kukasirika. Si sisi husave tukitaka kununua kitu?” Mama Boi asked.

“Ndiyo mum,” Boi replied with guilt.

“Isitoshe…jana tuliwatch na wewe My Better World. Unakumbuka Abi akihurumia ule kijana mwenye hakuwa na chakula? Alafu, akampeleka kwa hoteli akule?” Mama Boi asked.

“Yes, mum.”

“Mbona hukuhurumia Brayo venye ulichukuwa sweater yake? Unajua aliskia baridi akienda home?”

“Pole mum,” Boi bursted into tears.

“Haiya, fanya aje, kesho nataka urudishie Brayo sweater yake. Uta-apologize to Brayo, Mama Brayo na Teacher Jack, unaskia? Nastaki kusikia hii maneno ya bullying tena, Boi! Tuko pamoja?” Mama Boi said with a stern voice.

“Ndiyo mum,” Boi agreed as he wiped his tears.

“Boi, nataka uniskize kwa makini…ni vizuri kuwa na huruma na kuishi na amani na watu. Ungependa mtu akuchokoze ama achokoze akina Keni?”

“Apana mum,” Boi whimpered.

“Si poa kuchokoza mwenzako ata kidogo! Usirudie tena, tumeelewana?” 

“Sitarudia, mum. Promise!” Boi replied.

Since then, Boi has learnt the importance of empathy and now, Boi and Brayo are good friends!

Parents, what do you do when your child is a bully?

The post Boi Ni Bully! – Keeping Up With Boi appeared first on Akili TV.

“Weweee…unapigia watu kelele!” his dad shouted as he poured tea into the thermos flask. “Ebu kwanza peleka chai kwa meza tukule breakfast. Akina Boi washamaliza kuvaa?”, Baba Boi asked as he passed the tray to Sydo.

“Mum ndio hajamaliza, anatafuta ile kitambaa yake ya kichwa ya color green ”, Sydo mentioned.

“Lakini Mama Boi pia yeye…si ange tafuta hio kitambaa jana usiku. Tutachelewa!”, Baba Boi thought.

“Activate Creature Power Suit!”, Sydo belted out the phrase that Chris and Martin Kratt use in Wild Kratts.  

“Ha! Hio ni nini?” Baba Boi asked.

“Hio suit ya akina Chris huwa inachange into any animal unataka alafu inakupea creature powers!” Sydo confidently replied as he arranged the cups and plates on the table.

“Ohh…Okay. Na nimenotice unapenda sana hii kipindi. Wewe unataka creature power gani?” his dad engaged him further.

“Ya Kuswim uko deep end kama Whale!” Sydo cheerfully replied.

“Okay! Wacha nitakutafutia hio creature power suit huko Gikomba!” Baba Boi joked.

“Na wewe, Keni? Ni nini umelearn kwa hio show ya Wild Kratts?” Baba Boi asked as he sat to have his breakfast.

“Every time I watch Wild Kratts with akina Boi, I learn about different animals and the countries they are found in.” Keni smiled smugly to her dad.

“Okeeeey! Kangaroo inapatikana which country?” Baba Boi poked.

“Australia!” Keni responded with gusto!

“Nice! Next time mukiwatch, muniite niwatch pia, sawa? Haiya!  Nyinyi watu…malizeni breakfast haraka tuende tukaone Lion na Mr. Girrafe! Ama mnataka twende kwa shosh instead?” Baba Boi sarcastically suggested.

“Twende!”, Mama Boi replied and sipped the last drop of tea in her cup. 

(A few hours later, akina Boi have finally arrived at the animal orphanage.)

“Mama Boi, si uweke kidole yako kwa hii nyumba ya lion tuone nini itafanyika?” Baba Boi teased.

“Aiiiii…wewe eka yako tuone!” Mama Boi shrugged off.

“Haiiiiiya, ndio zile baboons!”, Keni pointed out.

“Twendeni tukawasalimie!” Boi exclaimed.

“Tweendeee! Twendeee! ” Keni agreed. She was feeling exhilarated about the trip and seeing the animals she’s learned in school and on Wild Kratts!  

What fun activities are you and your family up to during the school holiday? Tuchapie kwa comments.

Love,

Baba Boi!

The post Watafika on time kweli? – Boi’s Family Day Out! appeared first on Akili TV.

“Sydo, Keni…” Mama Boi gently woke the kids up.

“Eee…mum,” Sydo sleepily responded.

“Please amkeni muende mkanunue breakfast haraka haraka nipike,” Mama Boi requested.

“Mummy, leo mimi nataka ile mkate ya train! Aki siutatengeneza Avocado Sandwich?” Keni insisted. 

“Sawa ka-mum. Nitawatengenezea,” Mama Boi replied.

“ Haiya bas, Sydo, nimekupa how much?” Mama Boi asked.

“200 bob mum, ninunue nini na nini?” Sydo replied.

“Nunua mkate ile refu ya 100/- , carrots za 30/-, airtime ya 20/- na mafuta ya kupima ya 30/-”. Change itabaki 20/-.” Mama Boi instructed them.

“Mummy tukeep change?” Sydo asked slyly. 

“Sawa! Na mkisahau kitu kwa duka itabidi mmerudi tena,” Mama Boi replied with a side-eye.

( A few minutes later the kids came back with groceries and they were quite excite

“Mummy, next month tuna school trip! Teacher alituambia tutapelekwa Lake Naivasha! Tunafaa kuwa tumelipa 700/- in the next two weeks!” Sydo reported.

“Two Weeks! Umekuwa ukisave?” Mama Boi asked.

“Mmmm…Si vile. But si utanilipia tu!” Sydo remarked with conviction.

“Na zile change na allowance mi hukupea, wewe hupeleka wapi?” Mama Boi asked.

“Mimi hukula crisps na ice nikitoka shule… unakumbuka ata ile siku nilikununulia wewe na akina Boi,” Sydo defended himself.

“Wewe Sydo, hmmm…uko na mchezo! Ni juzi tulikuwa tuna watch episode ya savings on Ubongo Kids kwa Akili Kids! TV. Ukweli ama uwongo?” Mama Boi asked.

“Ukweli…” Sydo replied.

“Akina Kibena walikuwa wanatuambia nini kuhusu savings?” Mama Boi asked as she prepped the avocado sandwiches that Keni was eagerly waiting for!

“Walisema ni vizuri ukipata pesa unasave kidogo kidogo. Ukipewa pesa ya lunch, fare ama change, usitumie yote. Unaweka kwa ka-mkebe ndio uweze kujinunulia kitu poa in the future!”, Boi replied with a bit of hesitation.

“Kumbe unajua! Haiya bas, uko na two weeks. Save 25 bob kwa ile 50 bob mimi hukupa. Hio siku ya trip ikifika, nitakuongezea balance. Tuko pamoja?” Mama Boi advised. 

“Yes, mummy. Nitafanya hivyo,” Sydo replied with a sense of relief. 

“Haiya, enda uamshe akina Dad na Boi wakule breakfast,” Mama Boi requested and Sydo took off!

Wazazi, have you started teaching your children how to save? Kujeni tudiscuss.

The post Sydo! Hujakuwa Ukisave? Keeping Up With Boi appeared first on Akili TV.

There’s a knock on the door. “Wacha niende nikafungue mlango, mummy!”, Keni shouted as she ran towards the door hoping that it was Boi.

“BOI! Boi amekuja! Wametoka mid-term! Yess!!!”, Keni jumped at Boi and gave him a heartfelt hug. “Kumbe daddy alikuja kukuchukua kutoka shule, nimekumiss!”, Keni said as she held her brother’s hand and walked to the kitchen. Their dad, feeling proud to see his son and daughter bond, left Boi’s suitcase at the door and followed them to the kitchen. Mama Boi’s brown and soft-layered chapatis were calling them by name. She makes her chapos extra special by adding ghee.

“Mmmh…Chapos!”, they all exclaimed. “MMmmhh…ni tamuuu!”, Boi and his dad looked at each other as they took another bite. “Mimi na Sydo tumesaidia mum kupika chapo!”, Keni babbled.

“Good Job, guys! Ni tamu sana”, Boi commented while devouring a few more chapos.

(A few hours later, Boi and his family are relaxing in their living room)

“Boi, how were the exams?”, Baba Boi asked.

“Tough. I tried my best, dad”, Boi replied as he handed over his file to his parents.

“Ei! Na hii composition nikama ilikulemea! Hio jina ‘hodgepodge’ inaandikwa hivyo kweli? Ebu leta dictionary tuconfirm. Ei…more spelling mistakes? Flabber..what? Haha! Wacha tujifunze these words pamoja”,  Baba Boi teased. 

“Spelling is quite hard, dad”, Boi claimed as he brought the dictionary and sat next to his dad. 

“Don’t worry, son. We will learn the correct spelling of the words you missed and come up with a plan to improve your spelling skills, sawa? ”, his dad encouraged him.

“And if you keep learning new words every day, you will be able to participate in spelling bee competitions like the one on Akili Kids! TV. Kwanza you’re just in time for episode 2!”, Baba Boi gushed.

“Episode 2 ni this Saturday and Sunday at 9am and 6pm! The competition is awarding the contestants amazing prizes! This time, the top prize is a tablet!”, Mama Boi added. 

“Wow! I’d love to own a tablet”, Boi exclaimed.

“One day, you will get a tablet. Haiko mbali! First, let’s learn some new words today. Alafu, I want you to form a habit of reading short stories every week. Si shule mkona library?”, Baba Boi asked.

“Yes, dad”, Boi replied.

“Good! Make the library your second home. Pick up a book and if you’re not sure about a word, confirm by looking up the word from the dictionary. Before you know it, we’ll be seeing you on TV taking part in spelling competitions!”, Baba Boi said confidently.

“Sawa sawa, dad”, Boi agreed.

“So how do you spell this word?”, Baba Boi pointed out the word from Boi’s composition.

“F-l-a-b-b-e-r-g-a-s-t-e-d!”, Boi replied.

“Correct!” Baba Boi confirmed.

The post “Flabber…what? Baba Boi Comes To The Rescue – Spelling Bee appeared first on Akili TV.

“Daddy! Mum is snoring again.”, Boi whispered. They were both standing outside the bedroom trying hard not to laugh.

“Mum is tired. She made us thirty chapos last night, you know. And your sister, Keni, was up till late watching Rastamouse with mum. Ndio maana amelala hivo leo”, Baba Boi said.

“Tihihi…To make the ‘lickkle’ ones laugh as well as learn! Rasta mouse! I really like that show,” Boi said in Rastamouse’s voice.

“It’s a good show! Btw, Kesho ni Saturday! Si we can watch it together tomorrow at 7 pm on Akili Kids!?” Baba Boi asked.

“Yeep! Itatubamba!” Boi cheerfully agreed. 

“Haiya bas. Sasa, juu mum amelemewa na usingizi, si leo tusaidie mum na kazi za home ndio apumzike?”, Baba Boi suggested.

“Absolutely, Dad! Mimi nitaosha vyombo!”Boi responded joyfully.

“Mimi nitaosha nyumba, mum huweka wapi mop?” Baba Boi asked enthusiastically. 

“Kwa store! Alafu dad, akina mum wakiamka watakula nini for breakfast?” Boi asked.

“Eeee…I will boil sweet potatoes, make tea with lemongrass and honey, fry some sausages and probably squeeze fresh mango and passion juice for everyone!”, Baba Boi replied as he wiped the TV. 

“Weh! Dad, mum atafurahi akiamka!”, Boi commented. 

“Tena sana! Haiya tuharakishe ndio mum na akina Sydo wakiamka, watapata kila kitu iko set!”, Baba Boi remarked.

(3 hours later, the sweet aroma of lemongrass filled the house followed by little steps and yawns)

“Mmeamka!”, Baba Boi gleefully said.

“Mum, leo ni siku yako ya kupumzika. Karibuni breakfast!”, Boi remarked heartily.

“Ata hapa online, naona watu wanasema leo ni International Lazy Mom Day! So, mambo ni kukula na kurelax, sawa Mama Boi?”, Baba Boi insisted.

“Ata sitatoka nje!” Mama Boi replied as they all sat down to enjoy breakfast.

To all mums, we acknowledge all the work that you do daily to keep households running at 100%. Asante sana and we wish you a restful day!!!

Love,

Baba Boi.

The post Shhh… Leo Ni Siku ya Mum Kupumzika! appeared first on Akili TV.

“Ata mimi nataka kucheza nayo,” Sydo insisted.

“Nyinyi wawili, kwani hamwezi share toys pamoja? We have to share!”Mama Boi said with a stern face.

While this was happening, Baba Boi was seated in his favorite chair browsing articles on how to encourage sharing.

“Sydo and Keni, come here,”Baba Boi called out.

“I want you two to take turns playing with the tablet”. 

“Keni, you can play with it from now hadi lunch time and then Sydo will have his turn, tuko pamoja?”

“Sawa daddy,”both Keni and Sydo replied and ran back to their room to play.

“Hii mambo ya divide me divide me ya watoto inahitaji uwempole sometimes,”Baba Boi teased Mama Boi.

“Ha! Sawa chief! Hapo umeniweza”, Mama Boi goofed.

“I got that tip from an article I read online. It talks about empathizing with children when it comes to sharing. Sharing is a concept they’re learning as they grow. An idea like taking turns is a great way to introduce it,”said Baba Boi with a hint of a self-satisfied smirk playing across his face.

“Hii internet inatusomesha! Soon, you will be graduating with first class honors from Internet university,”Mama Boi teased.

“Hahahahaha! You’ll buy me lunch when that happens,”Baba Boi replied.

“You know, there’s a show on Akili Kids! TV that I really like. It’s called Wonder Pets,”Mama Boi said 

“Ehe! What about it?”, Baba Boi asked.

“It’s about these three classroom pets  — Linny the Guinea Pig, Turtle Tuck, and Ming-Ming Duckling who teach kids about sharing, helping others, and being a good friend. I think I should make a habit of discussing some of the things we learn from the shows on Akili Kids! TV with akina Keni,”Mama Boi suggested.

“Hio ni idea poa, mum!,” Boi replied. He heard his mum from the kitchen as he was making some fresh juice. 

“Thanks Boi!”Mama Boi replied.

“That’s a good idea, dear. Do it!”

 “Haiya! It’s lunchtime! Let me go check on Keni and Sydo. It’s Sydo’s turn to play with the tablet,” Baba Boi dashed to the kids’ room.

How do you encourage your children to share? Let’s chat in the comment section below!

The post Ni Yangu! Ni Yangu! Teaching Your Children To Share – Keeping Up With Boi appeared first on Akili TV.

“Aki sikupenda kwangu. Lately, I have been so busy taking care of my family and managing my kiosk. Imekuwa kidogo hectic! Nonetheless, I am grateful for both,” Mama Boi replied with a sigh. 

Mama Boi and her two friends, Mama Biko and Mama Majembe have been buddies since high school. They all got married around the same time and have been there for each other through the good and the bad. They are now raising their kids together. Their friendship has come a long way and it is only recently that they decided to start a chama. 

“Ah! Wewe ni mwanamke ngangari! Glad you’ve made it to today’s chama! It’s good seeing you here!”, Mama Majembe commended. 

“Asante sana! Nimefurahia kupatana!” Mama Boi confirmed with a wide smile on her face. 

“Alright, ladies! We are all here, let’s start the meeting. “Mama Biko, who appreciates order, politely asked. This explains why she’s the chairlady of the chama.  

“Last month, we were able to raise Kes. 3000! Tujipigie makofi!”  

“Arrriiirriiirii…”, the women rejoiced. 

“It’s now Mama Boi’s turn to take home the money! Excellent job, everyone for contributing faithfully!”, Mama Biko remarked. 

“On today’s agenda, ningependa kupropose that we open an account with a sacco to help us save and invest wisely.  Mnaonaje, akina mama wenzangu?”, Mama Biko asked. 

“That’s an innovative idea, Mama Biko!” Mama Boi responded enthusiastically! “I think I’d want to save my money with a sacco.” “That way, sitakuwa na easy access to it! Ama aje, Mama Majembe? “ 

“Mama Majembe…” 

No reply… 

“Mama Majembe…Mama Majembe, uko sawa? You seem distant.”, Mama Boi asked frantically. 

“Oh! Sorry, Mama Boi. Ulikuwa unasema?”, Mama Majembe replied as she cleared her throat. 

“Ngoja kwanza, you don’t seem okay. What’s wrong?”, Mama Boi insisted. 

“Just feeling a bit frustrated with my kids and myself. I yelled at them as I was preparing to leave the house and I can’t stop thinking about it. I feel terrible!”, Mama Majembe replied. She was trying hard to hold back tears, but her emotions had been bottled up for a while now. 

“They don’t listen to me when I tell them to do something. Even when I try to be nice, they still don’t listen. Ni juzi tu, I had to walk out of the house because I was angry, and I didn’t want to spank them,” Mama Majembe broke down. “My mum used to spank me a lot when I was a kid and I ended up fearing her most of the time. I really don’t want my kids to fear me, but I feel like I am losing patience. ““Am I a bad mum? “Ni fanye vipi?” Mama Majembe asked. 

“Mama Majembe….tulia. “, Mama Boi replied while rubbing her back.  

“These things happen. I am sorry about that experience. You’re still a good mum!,” Mama Boi tried to affirm her.  

“Sindio, Mama Biko? What advice would you give Mama Majembe?”, Mama Boi asked. 

“You’re a good mum. Always have been. It is a good thing that you are trying to be patient with your kids. It is not always easy, so don’t be hard on yourself! “, Mama Biko replied. 

“I was listening to a conversation on YouTube among three mums about disciplining children, “Mama Biko added. “And I agree with their ways of discipline since I practice them as well. What sparked my interest was that the mums have children of different ages, ranging from 16 months to 10 years. My boys also fit in that age range.,” Mama Biko commented. 

“Let me share with you my key take aways from that conversation: 

1. Learning from mistakes – including your own. This is what we are doing right now; thinking about what we could have done differently and try to do it next time. 

2. Keep Calm. Next time, try to teach akina Majembe right from wrong with calm words and actions. It is easier for them to listen to you when you are calm. And if you are too upset, you can take some time out to cool down before you settle the matter with them. Isn’t that a behavior you would like to see in Majembe, Maria and Stella? 

3. Set limits. Have clear and consistent rules Majembe, Maria and Stella can follow. I try as much as possible to keep my word. That way, my boys know that mummy is serious about rules. Since Majembe is 4 years old and your twins are 10 years old, you could try communicating with them in a way they would understand.  

4. Hold them accountable. It is not as easy as I had imagined it would be, but I must keep at it since my boys can be naughty at times. So, I try to be calm as I firmly explain the out-comes of misbehavior. For example, I tell Biko that if he does not clean up after playtime, I will confiscate some of his toys. I never take away something Biko truly needs, you know, such as a meal, a hug or spending time together. He loves hugs and pilau! Get my point? 

5. Time-out. Biko is 9 years old, Kibaki is 6 and Nolan is 4. Time-out durations vary depending on their age. This is how I do it: With Nolan, I give him 4-5 minutes whereas Biko and Kibaki get to lead their own time-out since they are a bit older and understand their actions. I tell them, “Go do time out and come back mkiwa ready to be good boys. This strategy has worked for me, and I noticed my boys are learning how to manage themselves better. “ 

“Those were some of the points that stood out for me! And having implemented them, so far, we are doing okay. I hope I’ve helped,” said Mama Biko. 

“You have, Mama Biko. Thank you, ladies, for hearing me out. I feel much better and now I can go back home ready to try and make things work out with my kids!” Mama Majembe happily responded. 

“Hahaha! That is great! And we are here for you, Mama Majembe, always…,” Mama Boi commented.  

“You could also watch Esme and Roy with akina Majembe on Akili Kids! TV. I recommend the show because of the character, Esme. She is a monster sitter (like a babysitter but for cute little monsters ) and her way of caring for the little monsters, especially when they are throwing tantrums is super thoughtful, kind and firm. Ha! Mimi hucopy Esme’s tricks when my litu Keni and Sydo are having meltdowns. And it works. “, Mama Boi advised. 

“Really, let me go watch it with my kids! Asanteni sana for the advice, I honestly feel better as a parent. Msiworry, my children and I will be fine!,” Mama Majembe confidently said. 

“Hapo sawa!,” said Mama Boi and Mama Biko. 

“Woi! It’s 6pm. Ebu tumalize chama and go home to our families!”, Mama Biko remarked.  

“Yes, yes…tumalize,” they all agreed. 

Which tip on disciplining your children did you find most helpful? Let us know in the comment section.  

Interested in reading more stories on Keeping Up with Boi? Start Here. 

The post Keeping Up with Boi: How Can Parents Discipline Their Children? Mama Majembe’s Story. appeared first on Akili TV.

“Leo game ni moto sana!”, one of his friends commented. 

“I see. Muturi is almost winning the game?”, Baba Boi speculated.

“I think it’s something in his tea…what else can explain his lucky streak?”, Jimmy teased.

Every Thursday afternoon, Baba Boi and a group of dads in the estate would meet at the estate’s resource centre to play draughts. On a good day, the winner walked away with five hundred shillings. Most dads looked forward to this day. If they weren’t playing or teasing each other, they were engaging in hot debates about random stuff!

“What’s new, boys?”, Baba Boi asked.

“Well, my wife and kids have been talking about this kid’s channel for a while now…”, Jimmy responded.

“It’s called, hmm…wait…what’s the name of that channel? Agrhh. Kwani nimesahau tena? I think it is Akilini?” 

“Akili TV?”, Muturi tried to help.

“There’s the word ‘kids’ somewhere”, Jimmy uttered as he scratched his head.  

“Ngoja kidogo! You mean ‘Akili Kids! TV?”, Baba Boi interjected.

“Yes, that’s the show! Akili and Me”, Jimmy confirmed with such relief.

“ Aii! Jimmy, I think umepotea kidogo…are you talking about the show or the TV channel?”, Baba Boi asked with the hint of a self-satisfied smirk playing across his face. 

“Kwani what’s the difference? And how come you know about this stuff?”, Jimmy asked.

“My family are die-hard fans of both the show and channel! At first, I was confused because they both share the name ‘Akili’ but my wife helped me know the differences.” Baba Boi remarked.

At this point, all the dads at the resource centre were curious to know about this. The constant questions from their kids about the alphabets and numbers from Akili and Me and conversations at work regarding Akili Kids! TV were becoming frequent.

“Ebu tuchanue, Baba Boi”, the dads begged.

“Haiya bas”, he cleared his throat. “First things first, Akili Kids! TV is a TV channel for kids while Akili and Me is a kids’ show. It airs on Akili Kids! TV” 

“Tuko pamoja hadi hapo, my frens?”

“Ndio!”, Jimmy and Muturi confirmed.

“Alafu…”, Baba Boi added,

“Akili and me is produced by Ubongo Media who are based in Tanzania and are also the creators of Ubongo Kids. The show airs on different local TV channels across Africa. Countries like Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda…even India and UK!

“Ei! Huko kwote?”, Muturi reacted as he sipped his tea.

“Na bado! These guys are already the second most watched TV channel in Kenya! Nawalifungua tu in March 2020!”

“Eish. Who owns this channel? And is it just for kids?”, Jimmy asked. 

“Akili Network…saw it on one of their adverts on the channel”. Baba Boi replied. “The TV channel focuses on 24/7 kids’ stuff. Their programs are educational…”

“At least…atakama watoto wako home juu ya corona, wateweza kusoma kwenye TV”, Muturi added.

“Nanikama Akili Network and Ubongo Media wakona the same goal ya kusomesha watoto, nimenotice…”, Jimmy pointed out.

“I think so…”, Baba Boi affirmed.

“Oh…Okey! That’s some good info! Imeeleweka sasa! Kumbe Akili Kids! TV wako chonjo?”, Jimmy looked up to see if the rest of the dads have also understood.

“Wako tu sawa! They’re doing a good job helping our kids with content that’s fun and engaging”, Baba Boi mentioned.

“Umetuchanua”, Muturi confirmed as well. “Thanks a lot, Mkubwa!”.

“Anytime”, Baba Boi replied.

“Alright, boys! Kama mumeelewa the differences between Akili and Me & Akili Kids! TV, tukosawa! Kesho ni siku. Tutaonana.” 

First time here? To keep up with Baba Boi and his family, start here.

The post Keeping Up With Boi: Is Akili Kids! TV A Show? appeared first on Akili TV.