Nairobi Women Open To Marrying Multiple Husbands: Report

A new report by Mwelekeo Insights has revealed an interesting twist in the dynamics of relationships in Nairobi Kenya...that young women are open to marrying more than one husband.

Between February 3 and 19 this year, Mwelekeo Insights conducted a study among women aged 18 to 30 in Nairobi, exploring their views on marriage, with a focus on the ideal age, education, and career influences.

The research also examined other factors such as personal fulfilment, polygamy, societal expectations, and religious beliefs.

According to the report released on Tuesday, February 25, women's personal aspirations are reshaping their approach to marriage, with many either embracing polygamous unions or choosing to remain unmarried altogether.

A man putting a wedding ring on a woman's finger. /FILE

Specifically, the study found that 51 percent of respondents were open to polygamous marriages if it would improve their economic situation. This challenges the traditional belief that polygamy is purely a patriarchal system that disadvantages women.

For more than half of those surveyed, polygamy is seen as a viable alternative to singlehood, offering financial stability, particularly in a challenging economy where single-income households face difficulties.

"51 per cent of Nairobi women are open to entering polygamous marriages provided it comes with economic advantages, while 49 per cent are opposed to polygamy under whatever terms and forms," the report outlined.

Moreover, the report revealed that 60 percent of Nairobi women fear marriages, stating it would negatively impact their freedom. The remaining 25 percent view marriage as a positive life change, while 15 percent hold a neutral stance on the subject.

Additionally, 59 percent of participating women believe that marriage is not essential for a fulfilling life, while 41% see it as a key milestone toward fulfilment.

Among highly educated and career-driven women in Nairobi, 67 percent do not consider marriage a priority, whereas 33 percent of those with lower education levels are more likely to prioritize marriage.

Additionally, 70 percent of non-religious women are more likely to view marriage as unnecessary, while 30 percent of religious women continue to value it. 

62 percent of urban women place less importance on marriage, whereas 38 percent of rural women still prioritize it, reflecting the influence of traditional values in rural areas.

When asked about societal pressure to marry, responses were evenly split: 50 percent felt pressured by traditional expectations, while the other 50 percent did not experience such influence.

Overall, the report indicates that most Nairobi women prioritize financial stability and career advancement over marriage. 

This report came on the back of a report done in December 2024 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealing that Kenyan female workers earning Ksh100,000 per month outnumbered male workers in the country's formal sector, with more highly educated women making their way into the male-dominated club of top earners.

92 percent or 14,268 of the 15,252 new six-figure earners in 2023 were women. This aligned with the intention to narrow the gender pay gap at the top level amid the push for salary parity in the workplace.