Certificate Access Gaps Discourage Formal Marriages, Clergy Say
News Updated: 16 April 2026 13:56 EAT
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Catholic bishops in Kenya have raised concern over what they describe as a shortage of marriage certificates, warning that the situation is discouraging many young couples from formalising their unions through legal or church-recognised marriage processes.
The bishops say the problem is not about the existence of marriage laws but rather the availability and accessibility of official registration documents, especially in parts of the country where civil registration offices face delays, shortages, or administrative bottlenecks.
According to church leaders, many couples who complete traditional or religious wedding ceremonies are unable to obtain official certificates within a reasonable time. This delay, they argue, is pushing some young people to cohabit without formal registration, weakening the institution of marriage.
The concerns come at a time when Kenya has been undergoing major reforms in marriage registration, including the digitisation of marriage certificates and special licences through the e-Citizen platform, a move meant to improve efficiency and reduce manual delays in issuing documents. �
Capital FM
Despite the digital shift, challenges remain in access, particularly among rural populations with limited internet connectivity or low digital literacy, according to concerns raised by stakeholders in the religious sector.
Church officials say the registration gaps are creating uncertainty in pastoral counselling and marriage preparation programs, as couples question the value of formal ceremonies if legal documentation is difficult to obtain.
They further warn that the trend could have broader social consequences, including weakened family structures and reduced adherence to both civil and religious marriage systems.
Government data and recent policy changes indicate that Kenya has been working to streamline the process, including ending manual issuance and moving all certificates online to improve accountability and security. �
Kenya Times
Officials argue that the reforms are intended to eliminate fraud and backlog issues, but acknowledge that transition challenges may temporarily affect service delivery in some regions.
The bishops are now calling for faster implementation support, improved access to registration services, and closer collaboration between government offices and religious institutions to ensure more young couples can complete both ceremonial and legal marriage requirements without delays.
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FELIX MAKONA
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