The government, through the Office of the Attorney General, has halted marriage services at Sheria House indefinitely.
Through a letter dated Tuesday, May 19, and signed by Registrar General Mary Njuya, made the decision to curb the spread of Covid-19 over social distancing challenges.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a representative from the office confirmed that the service had been shelved for a while as officials planned the next course of action to ensure a practical delivery of the services while adhering to Covid-19 prevention protocols.
"Following the partial re-opening of select marriage services on Monday, May 18, 2020, it was observed that the number of clients who visited Sheria House seeking the same was overwhelming and went against the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on curbing the spread of Covid-19 virus.
"As a result, the office has temporarily halted all marriage services in order to develop a clear roadmap on reopening in an organised manner as guided by the Ministry of Health and to ensure that safety measures are undertaken in the workplace," read part of the notice.
The representative further noted that it was not clear when the service would be restored.
The service affects all marriage types in Kenya which include Civil, Christian, Customary, Hindu and Islamic marriages as they are expected to fill forms at the AG's office ahead of their ceremony.
For civil marriages, The Marriage Act, 2014 recognises that the ceremony could be conducted in the offices of the registrar of marriages, deputy county commissioners or assistant county commission, where the parties involved place a 21-day marriage notice.
The Act also indicates that parties of Christian marriages should also place 21-day notice prior to them tying the knot. Marriage by notice also requires both parties to appear before the registrar to fill a notice form.
This development followed a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta which barred crowds and gatherings of people exceeding 15 which saw many churches halt services countrywide, before religious congregations were eventually banned.
Some couples, however, opted to carry on with their wedding plans albeit at reduced budgets, fewer attendees as well as reduced time frames.
