Mwelekeo Insights, a leading research and policy group in Kenya, has started an important conversation on how young women under 30 think about marriage.
The discussion came in Episode Four of Mwelekeo TV, where host Tonny was joined by Fridah from the Research Department and Sheillah from the Communications Department.
Mwelekeo is well known for serious work in economics, politics, and governance. But this time the focus was on marriage and culture.
The reason is simple. Behind every number about jobs or inflation is a real person making choices about family and life. Understanding those choices is part of understanding the future of Kenya.
Mwelekeo research analyst and media enthusiast Tony Nyakoko pictured. Photo: Mwelekeo Insights
Tonny Nyakoko opened the talk by reminding viewers that marriage is not only a family issue. It is connected to how homes are built, how children are raised, and how even the government plans services for citizens.
On her side, Fridah Mong’are, one of the research experts, explained that marriage shapes many things like how households are organized, the number of children people have, and the way women join the workforce. She said if researchers only study economics without looking at social changes, they miss half the story.
Likewise, Sheillah agreed and said that when fewer young women marry early, it affects housing, parenting and even how people spend their money. She said Mwelekeo is unique because it does not separate society from policy.
The research revealed that many young women in Nairobi no longer see marriage as an urgent goal. Only a small number said marriage is a must in life. Many others said it is not a priority while some are still undecided.
Mwelekeo Insights’ TV host and data analyst Fridah Mong’are smiles during a photo session. Photo: Mwelekeo Insights
A large number prefer to marry later, mostly after the age of 28. Many also admitted that they feel pressure from family but at the same time they fear that marriage could limit their freedom. Most said they want to be stable in their career and finances first before thinking about family.
Sheillah explained that the numbers reflect real conversations among women. She shared how many say they want to first stand on their own feet before thinking about marriage. She called it a shift where marriage is still important but now seen as a choice rather than something automatic.
Real life stories supported these findings. Some women described early marriage as a trap that blocks ambition. Others said they were being pushed by relatives even when they felt unprepared.
Madam Sheila Kariuki, one of the research analysts at Mwelekeo Insights. Photo: WhatsApp
Fridah added that this is not only a Nairobi issue. Similar changes are happening in other African cities like Lagos and Johannesburg.
Even globally, marriage is being delayed, although Kenya still has strong cultural pressure. She said women here are caught between modern realities and traditional family expectations.
One of the most surprising findings was that more than half of the women said they would accept polygamy if it meant financial security. Fridah explained that this is more about the economy than culture.
She said it shows that in hard times, financial stability can be more important than romance. Sheillah added that this is why Mwelekeo’s research matters because it connects the economy to personal lives.
The conversation also touched on the future. Fridah said society should celebrate women for their education, independence, and growth just as much as for marriage. Sheillah said there should be less stigma for women who marry late or choose different paths.
Both agreed that the government should pay attention because marriage patterns affect fertility, housing, and the workforce. Policies on childcare, education, and housing need to match the reality of delayed marriage.
The two also shared advice for families and leaders. Fridah said families should have open conversations and celebrate daughters for all their achievements, not only weddings. Sheillah said people should accept different timelines. She explained that it is okay for one person to marry at 22 and another at 35 or even 50. What matters is readiness and stability.
At the end, Tonny reminded viewers that studying marriage is not just about family life. It is about understanding the future of Kenya. He said that when Mwelekeo studies inflation, it tells us about the economy. When it studies marriage, it tells us about society. Together, the two give a full picture of Kenya’s journey.