Mwelekeo TV has recently been sharing findings from Mwelekeo Insights that highlight how young people in Kenya are changing their views on life choices, especially marriage.
These studies show that many young women today are focusing more on personal growth and stability rather than treating marriage as the main goal of adulthood.
This signals a big shift from past generations where marriage was often considered a milestone everyone had to reach. Instead, the new generation is questioning old expectations and building new priorities around independence, education, and career.
Mwelekeo Insights surveyed women between the ages of 18 and 30, and their feedback reveals a picture of practicality. Only 29% of the women in the study felt marriage was a major part of their future plans, which is a strikingly low number compared to past decades.
About 80% said they would rather invest their time and effort into building a stable career and securing financial independence before thinking about starting families.
In a country where opportunities in education and jobs have opened up more for women, this kind of focus makes sense. It shows how modern realities are shaping personal choices.
One strong reason behind this trend is the concern about freedom. The survey reported that 60% of young women feel that marriage could take away certain freedoms like traveling, pursuing demanding jobs, or making independent decisions. Only a quarter of them felt marriage would add positively to their lives, while another 15% felt neutral.
This does not mean marriage is completely off the table; many still value relationships, but they want to ensure these commitments do not disrupt their long-term goals like finishing school, starting businesses, or growing in their professions.
Fulfillment is another key area of change. About 59% of women believe happiness does not depend on marriage, but can come from friendships, careers, or personal achievements.
The remaining 41% still link happiness closely with marriage. Religion also plays an important role, with over half saying their faith influences their opinion. Interestingly, for some, faith reinforces traditional values, while for others, it pushes them toward self-improvement first.
The financial side of relationships is also very important. Around 51% of the women surveyed admitted they would consider polygamy if it guaranteed better financial security, while 49% rejected it.
This division reflects the challenges facing Kenyan youth, like high living costs and limited job opportunities, where economic stability is sometimes prioritized even above personal preferences.
Mwelekeo TV has been breaking down these findings through videos and discussions on platforms like YouTube and X.
These discussions not only explain the statistics but also include expert opinions on how cultural traditions like bride price are being re-examined in light of modern realities. The research goes beyond marriage, pointing to a bigger generational shift. Careers, technology, and entrepreneurship are becoming just as central to identity as family life.
These findings suggest that Kenya’s young people are actively shaping new definitions of success. They are not rejecting marriage entirely but are choosing to approach it on their own terms, making independence and security their top priorities.
This thoughtful approach reflects a society in transition, where personal goals and cultural expectations are being carefully balanced for the future.
