This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Published on November 26, 2019, a resolution was passed by religious leaders and elders in Masalani and Ifo's Dadaab refugee camp to significantly bring down the cost of weddings in the area.
According to the resolution, the bride price will be reduced to Sh30,000, and grooms will only be required to give four cows. Additionally, the number of vehicles used by the bride on the wedding day will be reduced to just two.
Aden Duale, the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, had previously called on Imams to ensure that weddings do not impoverish those involved. He expressed concern over young men meeting outrageous demands, including buying gold for their brides.
However, not everyone is in support of the new campaign. Garissa Deputy County Secretary Abdirashid Mohamed has expressed opposition, stating that the religious leaders should have consulted other stakeholders before making such resolutions.
Salat Osman, a religious leader, attributed high divorce rates in the area to the cost of weddings, saying that many couples struggle to survive after spending up to Sh1 million on a wedding.
Sheikh Ahmed Maalim, another religious leader, emphasized that the decision to bring down the cost of weddings was made in good faith, as they have realized that young people are avoiding weddings due to the expenses.
