Kamba marriages were mostly arranged by the parents, but sometimes a man was allowed to choose the woman he wanted to marry. A man who was seeking a wife would choose a woman and ascertain that she was willing to marry him.
When the suitor had made his choice, his father would go to see her father. Should his father have died, a paternal relative took his place.
If the father of the woman agreed to the marriage, the mother of the man would visit mother of the woman to ensure that she was also satisfied.
Three goats (mbui sya ntheo) were then sent to the woman's father as a sign of commitment and one would be slaughtered. These goats would be sent with a leather halter or strap of cowhide, which would be sent back to the sender as a sign of consent. If the woman's father had changed his mind, the goats could be returned.
Payment of the bride wealth/ngasia was made according to the wealth of the suitor’s family and the terms of the agreement. Bride price (Theo) could never be said to be paid in full, because it was considered to last as long as the relationship. There were always one bull and two cows included in the bride price, and a certain number of goats. It was the number of goats that varied according to the agreement.
Nowadays, sheep or cash, or a proportion of each, may often take the place of goats. Other requirements include: leather rope (mukwa), a drum containing honey (kithembe kya uki wa nzuki), bananas, traditonal beer (muatine), among other items. Small presents to the mother of the bride and other close relatives are also customary at the time of the negotiations. After the bride wealth is paid, she is ceremoniously abducted to her husband’s home.