Catholic Bishops Raise Alarm Over Shortage of Marriage Certificates in Kenya

Kenya’s Catholic bishops have warned of a shortage of marriage certificates and delays in civil registration, saying the situation is affecting couples seeking to formalise their unions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 16 April, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops said slow administrative procedures and limited availability of certificates are disrupting wedding plans. Couples, they noted, are struggling to obtain the required documentation in time, with notification and certification processes proving inefficient and poorly aligned with scheduled ceremonies.

The bishops said the issue goes beyond administrative inconvenience, raising both legal and social concerns. They warned that without proper documentation, spouses, particularly those in vulnerable situations, may be denied their rights. They stated that the shortage risks weakening legal protections within marriage.

They also referred to Article 45 of Kenya’s Constitution, which recognises the family as the fundamental unit of society. According to the bishops, protecting marriage as a legal institution is essential to maintaining stable families and a healthy society.

Complaints about backlogs in birth and death certificates, identity cards, and passports have persisted despite government efforts to improve service delivery.

Authorities have introduced digital systems such as eCitizen, which provides access to more than 22,000 services, including marriage registration. 

They have also announced targets such as issuing passports and identity cards within 72 hours. However, the bishops’ statement suggests that these measures have not fully addressed existing gaps.