Conversion of Customary Marriages Into Statutory Marriages Under Section 9 of the African Christian Marriage and Divorce Act Cap. 151 Laws of Kenya

Abstract

This dissertation discusses a point in law which is not the only one that has been abused due to imposition of new laws embodying different norms and customs in Kenya. It is intended to serve as an example of the many conflicts of laws and practice which are happening in Kenya. Why 1 chose this particular topic, 'Conversion of Customary Marriages into Statutory Marriages', is because 1 believe the family is the miniature form of the society. Anything that disturbs the equilibrium of the family therefore dusturbs the society as a whole. The African Christian Marriage and Divorce Act Cap. 151 goes to the very core of the African Society in Kenya. It tries to lay down terms on the way Africans who contract their marriages under it will conduct their marriages. It is therefore important to see why such an Act was passed and how far it has been successful. If it has failed we should also know the reasons which have led to this failure.