60 per cent of Nairobi women fear marriages, a new report by the Mwelekeo Insights has revealed.
According to the report, the women believe that marriage would negatively impact their freedom. The remaining 25 per cent see marriage as a positive change to life while 15 per cent were neutral about marriage.
A further 59 percent of the women who took part in the survey believe that marriage is not necessary for a fulfilling life, while 41 percent believe that it is an integral step toward one.
67 per cent of highly educated and career women in Nairobi do not consider marriage a priority while 33 per cent of lower education levels are likely to prioritise marriage.
Meanwhile, the survey done between February 3 and February 19 among Nairobi women revealed that 51 per cent of Nairobi women would gladly enter into polygamous marriages while 49 per cent rebuke them.
"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.
The survey was conducted among women aged 18-30 who reside in Nairobi. It focused on their perspectives on marriage, with emphasis on ideal age, education and career factors, fulfillment, polygamy, and societal and religious factors, among other things.
According to the study, 1 in 3 Nairobi Women aged 18-30 believe polygamy can work if partners are financially stable and honest.
There was a 50/50 response from the women about feeling pressured by society to get married. 50 per cent are pressured by society while 50 per cent dont feel the pressure and the influence of traditional expectations.
According to the report, most of the Nairobi women prioritize financial stability and career goals over marriage.
This follows a recent report done in December 2024 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) that revealed that the number of female workers earning above Ksh100,000 increased by 92 per cent in the past year, highlighting the rate of women's progress in the employment sector.
The majority of women in Nairobi and Kenya entered into the formal labor market such as the construction, agriculture, and education sectors.
