CATHOLIC BISHOPS RAISE ALARM OVER SHORTAGE OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES IN KENYA

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has raised concerns over the shortage of marriage certificates which is disrupting registration and stalling the legal recognition of unions across the country.

In a statement issued on April 16, the Catholic bishops expressed frustration over what they described as unnecessarily difficult procedures for notifying and certifying marriages. They noted that clearance processes are often delayed and poorly aligned with scheduled dates, making it increasingly hard for couples to obtain legal documentation.

“For some time now, we have been experiencing difficulties in the legal process of civil registration and legalisation of marriage. The process of notification, obtaining certificates has become unnecessarily arduous. The clearance process is slow and, at times, insensitive to the set dates and times. Moreover, we are now experiencing a shortage of marriage certificates,” the statement read.

The bishops cautioned that these obstacles are discouraging many people from getting married altogether. This trend, they warned, could have broader social repercussions including denying vulnerable spouses their legal rights. They urged authorities to act swiftly, stressing that protecting and promoting the institution of marriage is a constitutional matter.

In January 2026, the Office of the Attorney-General announced that manual printing and issuance of Registrar’s Certificates and Special Licenses would be discontinued. All such documents for civil, Christian, and Hindu marriages are now generated exclusively through the government’s e-Citizen portal.