Marriage Bill seeks to scrap paying dowry

Couples will not have to pay dowry to get married if the Marriage Bill is passed by Parliament into law.

The Bill, which is one of the three family bills undergoing debate, seeks to make payment of dowry optional, and couples who would have stayed together as husband and wife for at least two years will be considered legally married.

The other bills include the Matrimonial Property and the Domestic Violence (Family Protection) Bill 2007.

According to chairperson of National Commission on Gender and Development Dr Regina Mwatha and lawyer Judy Thongori, said dowry usually leaves women vulnerable when the husband dies.

Mutual benefit

Marriage would be considered a complete contract irrespective of the dowry, the two said Monday.

But, persons who choose to marry under the customary law may still opt to pay dowry.

Ms Thongori explained the proposed law does not outlaw dowry and those willing to pay can continue with it.

“Hopefully, the Bill will serve to break the yoke and allow for the recognition of marriage as a voluntary union that is intended for mutual benefit,” she added.