This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, Muslim clerics from Masalani, Ijara sub-county, made headlines with a resolution aimed at lowering the cost of weddings in the area.
The clerics resolved that the groom will be expected to pay a dowry of only four cows or Sh60,000, down from over Sh100,000.
They also set a limit of Sh20,000 for the bride's dressing, which is currently up to Sh50,000.
While some welcomed the move, saying it will reduce the burden on newlyweds, others, mainly women, argued that the clerics should not set standards for marriage but only offer advice.
Garissa-based cleric, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns that the clerics erred in making such a declaration on a sensitive matter.
“Weddings, like in many communities, is held with high esteem. In many communities the man entering into a marriage should feel the pinch so that he can safeguard it,” he said.
He added, “Making a marriage cheap will only serve to be counterproductive because we will end up seeing more divorce because it will be cheap.”
Recently, National Assembly leader Aden Duale waded into the matter, saying Imams should be on the forefront to ensure weddings are affordable.
He noted that immorality has been on the rise, and young men ripe for marriage have been asked outrageous demands such as buying of gold for the bride, exorbitant bride price as well as inflated dowries.
“Hundreds of youths have been coming to us so that we support their engagements. This is because new culture has given men undue pressure,” Duale said.
