Kenya Suspends Marriage Services as Couples Crowd Attorney-General's Office

The office of Kenya Attorney-General has suspended all marriage services over fears of coronavirus transmission.

Registrar-General Mary Njuya in a statement dated May 20th said the decision was made after the office was overwhelmed by the high number of Kenyans seeking marriage services, making it hard to observe Covid-19 guidelines such as social distancing.

The suspension of the services comes a day after the office was partially reopened on Monday, May 18th, for selected marriage services.

“It was observed that the number of clients who visited Sheria House seeking the same was overwhelming and went against the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health in curbing the spread of COVID-19 virus,” Njuya said in a statement.

The indefinite suspension of the services is aimed at giving the AG’s office adequate time to develop safety measures in line with the Health Ministry’s guidelines.

“As a result, the office has temporarily halted all marriage services in order to develop a clear roadmap on reopening. This is to further ensure that safety measures are undertaken in the workplace," added Njuya.

Kenyan couples seeking to officiate their unions through civil marriage are required to register with AG’s office by submitting copies of their identification cards and colored passport size photos and Sh600.

AG’s office then runs a notice for 21 days after which the ceremony takes place at the Registrar’s Office if no one comes forward to oppose the union. Sh3,300 is charged for the marriage ceremony and a further Sh800 for a certificate.