The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has raised concerns over the shortage of marriage certificates.
Speaking on Thursday, April 16, the bishops said such a shortage, coupled with slow administrative procedures, is already having social consequences that potentially affect the stability of families.
According to the church, processes such as notification, certification, and clearance have become unnecessarily slow and, in some cases, insensitive to planned wedding dates.
Catholic bishops raise concern over the shortage of marriage certificates
“For some time now, we have been experiencing difficulties in the legal process of civil registration and legalisation of marriage. The processes of notification and obtaining certificates have become unnecessarily arduous. The clearance process is slow and at times insensitive to the time and dates set,” the bishops said.
“Moreover, we are now experiencing a shortage of marriage certificates. This is bound to cause a moral dent to society and risks depriving the weaker spouses of their legal rights,” they added.
According to the Catholic bishops, the institution of marriage must be protected and promoted in line with Article 45 of the Constitution, which recognises the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society.
Furthermore, when families and marriage institutions are strengthened, society as a whole benefits.
“We as a country must protect and promote the institution of marriage as provided in the Constitution of Kenya. When our families and the institution of marriage are strong, our society thrives”
