80 per cent of women living in Nairobi prefer financial stability and career over marriage according to a study published by Mwelekeo Insights, a research firm that specializes in gathering and analyzing public sentiment on key national issues ranging from politics and governance to economic trends and social issues.
A report titled ‘Attitudes Toward Marriage Among Women aged 30 and Below Residing in Nairobi County, Kenya’, observed a changing perception in regards to coupling in the city.
Mwelekeo Insights noted that most women were prioritising their ambitions in the city hence depolarising marriage.
“80 per cent prioritised financial stability and career growth over marriage, indicating a shift in personal aspirations,” the report read in part.
Mwelekeo Insights study published on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, further noted that career ambitions (31 per cent), financial independence (51 per cent) and personal freedom (17 per cent) were among the reasons influencing their decision to consider marriage.
“Career ambitions (31 per cent), financial independence (52 per cent ), and personal freedom (17 per cent ) were the
top reasons for deprioritizing marriage,” the report read in part.
“Social expectations remained a strong influence, particularly among respondents from conservative backgrounds.”
Pressure to Marry
The survey which sampled 2,687 Nairobi women aged between 18- 30, established that 50 per cent of the participants reported feeling some degree of societal pressure to marry though 50 per cent expressed a declining influence of traditional expectations.
60 per cent of those interviewed believed marriage would negatively impact their personal freedom, while 25 per cent saw it as a positive change, and 15 per cent felt neutral.
In terms of religion, 53 per cent believed that religious beliefs influenced their views on marriage while 33 per cent pointed out that it played a minimal role. On the other hand, 14 per cent claimed it had no impact.
It further established that 51 per cent of Nairobi women were open to polygamous marriages provided it would economically transform their lives.
On ideal marriage, 30 per cent preferred an age between 28-30, while 45 per cent felt comfortable marrying beyond 30.
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