A recent study by Mwelekeo Insights has revealed a big shift in how young women in Nairobi view marriage. The research focused on women aged 18 to 30 and explored their thoughts on polygamy, career goals, personal freedom, and the ideal age for marriage.
The study included 2,687 participants from various backgrounds in Nairobi. According to the findings, many of these women no longer see marriage as a major life goal.
Only 29% considered marriage essential, while 53% said it was not a priority and 18% were unsure. This change shows how traditional beliefs about marriage are slowly fading among the younger generation in the city.
One of the findings was that 51% of the women surveyed said they would consider entering a polygamous marriage if it meant improving their financial situation. This shows that for many, economic benefits can outweigh traditional views on monogamy. However, 49% of the women were not open to polygamy under any circumstances, indicating that personal values still play a strong role in their decisions. This split highlights how financial pressure is a real concern for young women, but not everyone is willing to compromise their beliefs for money.
The research also explored the choice between marriage and career. A large majority, 80% of the women, said they prioritize financial stability and career growth over getting married. This suggests that many young women in Nairobi see building a successful career as more important than settling down early. Education and employment status also played a big role in this. Women who were better educated or already working were more likely to put their career first. They believe that achieving financial independence gives them more control over their lives and future.
Another key finding was how marriage is seen in relation to personal freedom. About 60% of the participants said they believe marriage would negatively affect their personal freedom. They worry that being married might limit their independence and ability to make personal choices. For these women, marriage is seen as something that could bring restrictions rather than support. On the other hand, 25% felt that marriage could have a positive impact on their freedom, especially if it came with mutual understanding and support. The remaining 15% were neutral on the matter, showing that not everyone views marriage the same way.
The idea of the ideal age for marriage also came up in the study. Only 30% of the women said they were interested in marrying before the age of 30, while 45% said they preferred to marry after 30.
This shows that more young women are choosing to delay marriage, possibly to focus on education, careers, or personal goals first. There is a growing trend where women want to establish themselves before considering settling down.
Interestingly, the study found that opinions about marriage had changed over time for many of the women. About 56% said their views on marriage had evolved, with 31% saying they now see marriage in a more negative way.
Only 13% reported a more positive change in their perception. This evolution shows how experiences, education, and changes in society have played a role in shaping how these young women think.
The study by Mwelekeo Insights paints a clear picture of a generation that is thinking differently about marriage. Today’s young Nairobi women are putting more value on career growth, personal freedom, and financial independence. While some still believe in the importance of marriage, many are choosing to define their own paths and are not afraid to go against traditional expectations.
