Atheists urge Kenyans to embrace renewable marriage contracts

The association of atheists in Kenya has urged Kenyans to embrace marriage contracts lasting two years.

In a statement dated January 16, 2024, the atheists noted that marriage contracts will enable couples to lay out marital duties such as housekeeping, finances and childcare.

“We encourage Kenyans to embrace renewable marriage contracts lasting two years that lay out the marital duties (housekeeping, finances, childcare, shows of affection, etc.) for each party.

“Each partner will commit to that contract during the two year period. At the end of the two years, the couple can choose to renew their agreement, adjust its terms, or dissolve their marriage,” read part of the atheists statement.

The atheists insisted that marriages should not be a lifetime affair.

According to president of atheists in Kenya Harrison Mumia, renewable marriages would allow partners to tweak their marital contract accordingly.

Mumia noted that expiry of a marriage contract is the best way to end a marriage without the shock or drama of a contentious divorce.

“The Atheists In Kenya Society is of the view that it’s time to rethink ‘until death do us part’.

“And if brides- and grooms-to-be truly want a happy marriage, then it is time for them to take responsibility for defining their goals and expectations in a renewable marriage contract,” he noted in a statement.

However, according to the constitution of Kenya, as enshrined in the Marriage Act 2014, a marriage is a voluntary union of a man and a woman that is registered according to the law.

Both monogamous and polygamous marriages are accepted in Kenya provided the individuals involved are above 18 years of age.