This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, the Attorney General's office at Sheria House suspended all marriage services due to an overwhelming number of clients seeking to get married during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registrar-General Mary Njuya stated that the services would be halted until further notice to allow the department to develop a strategy for handling the high number of clients.
Before the pandemic, couples were already showing signs of aggressiveness in formalizing their unions, despite the government's efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus by banning gatherings and restricting movement.
With loved ones unable to join marriage celebrations, some couples decided to proceed with their weddings without the presence of their relatives, only having a few witnesses and the pastor.
Author Sylvania Ambani wonders if couples are rushing to get married due to the physical and social distancing rules, or if they are making impulsive decisions under pressure.
Ambani believes that marriage is a lifelong commitment that should not be rushed into, and hopes that couples are not making decisions based on uncertainty and fear.
She sees the pandemic as an opportunity for couples to learn how to relate to each other during challenging times and work out their issues.
The suspension of marriage services by the Attorney General's office may be a blessing in disguise, allowing couples to take a step back and reassess their decisions.
