Kisumu, Kenya – Acting Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has called on couples who marry under customary law to formally register their unions with the Registrar of Marriages to secure legal recognition and protection. During a legal awareness drive in Kisumu on 18 August, Oduor and Solicitor General Shadrack Mose presided over the registration of a polygamous Luo marriage, highlighting the government’s efforts to bring informal unions into the official system.

Oduor explained that although Kenya’s Marriage Act recognises civil, Christian, Islamic, Hindu and customary marriages, many customary unions remain undocumented, leaving spouses vulnerable in cases of inheritance, divorce or property disputes. Registration, she said, creates a legally binding record that courts can rely on and ensures that spouses and children can claim benefits. The Attorney General’s Office has been holding mobile clinics in rural areas to educate communities about the process.

Solicitor General Mose said that registering marriages strengthens family rights and supports women’s economic security. He urged traditional elders and local administrators to encourage couples to formalise their unions and assured them that registering does not invalidate cultural practices. Couples are required to submit identification documents, a description of their marriage ceremony and pay a nominal fee.

Community leaders at the event welcomed the initiative, saying it would reduce disputes over inheritance and improve access to government services. They urged the Registrar of Marriages to simplify procedures and decentralise services so that couples in remote areas can register without travelling to major towns. The Legal Aid Programme has provided pro bono lawyers to assist those who cannot afford representation.

The push for registration comes amid rising interest in family law reforms and gender equality. Advocates say that stronger legal frameworks around marriage will complement existing efforts to combat gender‑based violence and protect children’s rights. The Attorney General’s Office plans to continue outreach programmes in other counties to ensure that couples across Kenya secure certificates for their marriages.