The relevance of matrimonial gifts in Kenya. Whose laws are they anyway?. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rasowo, Anne Anyango; Masinde, Michael Wabomba
• Is Part Of: International journal of gender studies in developing societies. Volume 2:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: marriage -- marriage gifts -- dowry -- women -- Kenya; Women in development -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Sex role -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Women -- Developing countries -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Women -- Legal status, laws, etc -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Gender identity -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 305.4091724
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-0352

Abstract

This paper examines the validity of payment/exchange of matrimonial gifts as a condition to sealing marriage under the African customary laws. The paper also critically analyses the legal position of the practice and the emergent constitutional and human rights issues that arise due to the practice. The issues include wife selling and degradation of women as a result of the payment/exchange of matrimonial gifts. The main objective of the paper is to analyse the effectiveness of Kenya's legal, judicial and legal policy framework in regards to marriage gifts.