Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, having recently taken office, is now actively focusing on ensuring that religious leaders, including pastors and imams, adhere strictly to marriage certification regulations.

In a recent announcement published in the MyGov Newspaper, Oduor has formally mandated that all religious officials who perform marriages must now submit the related marriage certificates to the Registrar of Marriages. Consequently, this requirement will ensure that each marriage is properly recorded and legally acknowledged.

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New Rules for Marriage Certification

Starting September 1, 2024, religious leaders will need to scan and upload marriage certificates or special licenses to the registrar’s official website ([email protected]). This new measure is intended to streamline the documentation process and further ensure that all marriages are officially recorded.

According to Sections 53 to 57 of the Marriage Act, officiants must deliver the original marriage certificates to the Registrar of Marriages in Nairobi within 14 days of the ceremony. This requirement covers all types of marriages—Christian, Islamic, Hindu, civil, and customary—and ensures that each is legally acknowledged.

Strengthening Legal Compliance

The Marriage Act specifies, “Where a marriage is celebrated under Part III of this Act, the officiating person shall forward a copy of the marriage certificate to the Registrar within fourteen days of the celebration.” Furthermore, under AG Oduor’s oversight, this legal requirement is being enforced with greater precision.

This enforcement aligns with AG Oduor’s broader commitment to reform the criminal justice system and address operational challenges within her office. Since her recent swearing-in, Oduor has demonstrated a strong resolve to uphold legal standards and protect public interests.

With the implementation of these new regulations, religious leaders will face increased scrutiny to ensure that marriage registrations are handled properly. As a result, this signals a significant change in the oversight of marital ceremonies in Kenya.