Marriage in Kenya is slowly being seen in a different light, especially among young women who are starting to think of it less as a cultural requirement and more as a practical choice.
A new study by Mwelekeo Insights in 2025 has revealed that money, work stability, and independence are now more important to many young women than rushing into marriage.
The findings were shared on Mwelekeo TV, a platform on YouTube where the research team explains their work in a way that ordinary Kenyans can easily follow.
Mwelekeo TV combines facts with real-life stories, giving people a chance to reflect on how society is changing.
The research spoke to 2,600 women between the ages of 18 and 30 in Nairobi. Out of these, 53 percent said they do not see marriage as something urgent or necessary at this stage in life.
About 29 percent still view it as important, while 18 percent remain undecided. This marks a major shift from the past when marriage at a young age was seen as the norm. Today, priorities are different, with 52 percent saying they want financial independence before settling down, and 31 percent choosing to focus on their careers first.
Another 17 percent value the freedom to make their own choices without being tied to a partner.
The study also shows that 80 percent of these women prefer to secure their finances and personal growth before thinking of marriage.
Rising living costs and job struggles have made many women believe marriage should add value by providing shared support rather than being a burden.
At the same time, 60 percent fear that marriage could take away some of their independence. When it comes to family and societal pressure, opinions are evenly split half feel pressured to marry, while the other half do not, suggesting that traditional expectations are slowly loosening.
Polygamy was another topic in the study. Legally recognized in Kenya and still part of some cultures, it remains controversial among young women.
Interestingly, 51 percent said they might accept it if it provided financial benefits, while 49 percent rejected it entirely. This highlights how much the issue of money influences decisions about relationships.
Education, location, and faith also played a role in shaping opinions. Women with higher education were less likely to see marriage as a priority, with 67 percent placing it low on their list, while 33 percent of those with less education still valued it.
In Nairobi, 62 percent of young women were less concerned about marriage compared to 38 percent in rural areas.
Religion influenced choices as well, with 53 percent of religious women valuing marriage more, while 70 percent of those less tied to faith saw no strong reason for it.
The question of timing showed that 45 percent were comfortable waiting until after 30 to marry, and 30 percent preferred marrying between 28 and 30.
A striking 59 percent believed they could live a fulfilling life without ever marrying. This reflects how opportunities like higher education and better career paths are changing the way women look at relationships.
Mwelekeo Insights has explained how they carry out such research, from surveys and polls to analyzing real patterns in society.
They use Mwelekeo TV to simplify this information for the public, making it easy to understand and discuss. With more young women redefining marriage, the study suggests that Kenyan families and communities may have to adjust to these evolving views, which are likely to shape the country’s social future in a big way.
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