The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has raised an alarm over the shortage of marriage certificates.
In a statement on April 16, the Catholic bishops said the shortage is disrupting civil registration and delaying the formalization of unions.
KCCB noted that the notification and certification process has become unnecessarily difficult, with clearance procedures often delayed and poorly aligned with scheduled dates.
Further, they stated that slow and cumbersome procedures have made it increasingly difficult to obtain legal recognition of marriages.
“For some time now, we have been experiencing difficulties in the legal process of civil registration and legalization of marriage. The process of notification, obtaining certificates has become unnecessarily ardous. 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,” read part of the statement.
KCCB Raises Concerns Over Delays in Marriage Registration
The bishops cautioned that the challenges are discouraging many from contracting marriage, a trend that could have broader social consequences, including denying vulnerable spouses their legal rights.
They called on authorities to urgently address the issue, stressing the importance of protecting and promoting the institution of marriage as provided in the Constitution.
In January 2026, the Office of the Attorney-General announced the discontinuation of manual printing and issuance of Registrar’s Certificates and Special Licenses for marriages, shifting services fully to the government’s e-Citizen platform.
Under the new system, all Registrar’s Certificates and Special Licenses for civil, Christian, and Hindu marriages are generated and accessed exclusively through the e-Citizen portal.
Also Read: Govt Discontinues Manual Printing of Marriage Certificates With Immediate Effect
Other Issues Raised By Catholic Bishops
KCCB also raised concerns over the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, warning that it appears poorly planned and costly, with insufficient consultation and readiness.
They called for an urgent multisectoral review to properly evaluate and redesign the system while safeguarding the role of sponsors in schools.
The bishops also decried corruption, greed, and impunity, saying the vice has been normalized and continues to threaten public resources and governance.
KCCB urged citizens and leaders to actively reject corruption and uphold integrity.
Also Read: Catholic Bishops Slap Ruto with Demands Ahead of Gen Z Protests
On political discourse, the bishops expressed concern over rising intolerance, insults, and the use of goons to disrupt meetings and intimidate opponents.
They warned that such practices undermine democracy, disrespect national institutions, and endanger young people, calling for restraint, respect, and accountability from leaders.
Speaking on the sanctity of human life in the country, the bishops questioned the rise in unexplained killings, human trafficking, and road accidents.
They pointed to recent mass killing incidents such as Shakahola, Kware, and Binzaro in Kilifi and Kericho, saying they expose weaknesses in surveillance systems and community vigilance, and reflect a worrying disregard for human life, especially among vulnerable populations.
The bishops also warned of emerging forms of human trafficking and urged authorities to strengthen monitoring and protect children and other vulnerable groups.
