AG gives pastors 30-day deadline to produce marriage certificates for couples

In a notice published on the MyGov Newspaper, the Office of the AG has ordered the pastors and Imams to submit all marriage certificates for the marriages already conducted to the Registrar of Marriages office. 

The AG also ordered them to scan and upload marriage certificates or special licences to be conducted from September 1, 2024 on the Registrars of Marriage's official website (marriage.returns@ag.go.ke). 

From September 1, 2024, the pastors will be required to deliver the original marriage certificates to the Registrar of Marriages in Nairobi within 14 days of the celebration of the marriage. 

This in line with Sections 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57 of the Marriage Act that require any persons officiating a marriage to forward a copy of the certificate of to the Registrar for the registration of that marriage.

This relates to Christian, Islamic, civil, Hindu and Customary marriages. 

"Where a marriage is celebrated under Part III of this Act, the person officiating at the marriage shall forward a copy of the certificate of marriage to the Registrar within fourteen days of the celebration of the marriage for the registration of that marriage," reads part of the Act. 

The enforcement comes on the backdrop of the new AG promising to tackle the challenges at her office by reforming the criminal justice system. 

Following her swearing in two weeks ago, all eyes will be on her to gauge how she will protect public interest while upholding the rule of law.