The Masai people in Kenya are known to partake in an unusually soggy post-wedding ritual. It is not uncommon for the father of the bride to spit upon his daughters head and breasts as she leaves the village with her new husband. The Masai strongly believe that by being disrespectful as opposed to praising them too much, they avoid tempting fate and bringing bad luck to the marriage.
Are civil partnerships permitted?Article 45(2) of the Constitution of Kenya specifically authorises opposite sex marriage but is silent about same-sex marriage. |
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legal age of consent |
polygamy legal status |
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Legislation specifically outlaws marriage under the age of 18 in Kenya however many marriages are performed under customary or Islamic law, which sets no minimum age. Urban girls are at a higher risk of child marriage than girls living in rural areas. A high prevalence of HIV in Kenya means that young married girls are particularly at risk. In a recent study, 33% of married girls surveyed were infected with HIV as opposed to 22% for their sexually active, unmarried counterparts. |
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Married by 15
6%
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Married by 18
26%
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