@Alpha,

In your culture,there is the spirit (positive) which symbolises something.In the 1.2 Mirrion case,is there any spirit?.It could be there and i think it's a negative spirit by all means....ama?

To some communities, like the Kikuyu, cash equivalent is acceptable. To others it may not be acceptable. @nakujua, we don't live in the barter trade era, we live in a monetary system. In negotiations, you'll be given a list of dowry requirements, and there are things you'll find yourself paying the cash equivalent of.

Understanding the dowry terms is not as hard as it seems. Before you visit your supposed future in-laws, you need to have an idea what may be required. You need to have an idea of the steps involved, etc. That's why you look for someone from your future bride's community, someone who knows how dowry works. This is for guidance purposes. Confusion comes in when you have no idea what is being asked or you think it borders on the absurd.

Even among Kikuyus (I'm just wondering why people aren't talking about other tribes), you'll find there's some differences (even if it is kidogo) between Kyuks from Kiambu, Nyeri or even Muranga. Kwa hivyo ukitaka bibi, it's very important to know what kind of culture they follow, if at all they do.

That's why ni muhimu to have someone from the bride's community on your side who knows dowry requirements, to avoid exploitation. Mtu asifikirie manzi akiingia box clan yote imeingia box. One may be in for a rude shock.

my point is that this is not tradition or culture we are following - its just a form of biashara.

Any correlation between dowry prize and quality of marriage?
People should not demand stuff but rather allow people to express gratitude in their own way because dowry has been misused and abused.

I read in one of our dailies about this lady who's fiancee was so broke she ended up paying her own dowry! Everything came out of her own pocket and the groom's party was received with joy.
Then they fell apart and she was devastated.