Kenyan teens prefer education first, marriage later

By Augustine Oduor

A new study indicates Kenyan teenagers prefer to delay marriage citing other priorities in life such as education and career development.

The youth social survey reveals that the average age teenagers intend to get married is 28. However, it indicates the youth are yet to accept that delaying sex before marriage is an ‘in thing.’ "Delaying sex till marriage is more popular among Ugandan teens compared to Kenyan and Tanzanian teens," said the report.

The Teenage Research Unlimited conducted by TNS, formerly Research International, said teenagers intend to get married later compared to the previous generations.

"Earlier people were more concerned of finishing school and getting married. Today they want to be seen to a have made it first by buying a car or a house. This indicates that they have more pressing issues ahead of them before they start families," said Geoffrey Kimani, the firm’s director.

The October 2010 research conducted on youths aged between 12 and 19 in East Africa also indicates that most teenagers would never consider marrying outside their religion.

"Ugandans are more conservative regarding marrying outside their religion as well as race, compared to Kenyans and Tanzanians," he said.

Kimani said Kenyan teenagers believe homosexuality is wrong, with only a small percentage identifying with same sex marriage.

He said the study revealed the teenager’s prioritised religion in their lives contrary to teenagers in western countries.

"Religion has played a key role in informing their decisions. Most teenagers also still live with their parents by this age and this also informs their delayed marriage," said Kimani.

The report also said teens in East Africa believe mothers influence their lives more compared to fathers and friends.