Bride price capped at Sh60,000 as Wajir elders slash wedding costs to ease burden on youth
After a three-day consultation, leaders representing the Ogaden, Ajuran, and Degodia communities resolved to issue these guidelines, aimed at preserving the cultural significance of communal weddings while making them more accessible and affordable for young men.
In a bid to ease the financial burden on young people, community elders and religious leaders in Lagbogol, Wajir County, have introduced new guidelines to reduce the cost of weddings.
After a three-day consultation, leaders representing the Ogaden, Ajuran, and Degodia communities resolved to issue these guidelines, aimed at preserving the cultural significance of communal weddings while making them more accessible and affordable for young men.
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In resolutions read to community members during an event in Lagbogol, the leaders set a fixed bride price of Sh60,000 to be jointly contributed by both families, unlike in the past when the groom’s family bore the cost alone.
Additionally, the dowry paid during or after divorce, known as Mahr, will be limited to one camel, one cow, or eight goats, discouraging payments in the form of gold or foreign currency.
Gift exchanges previously made to the bride’s family have also been discouraged.
Members of the community in Laghbogol in Wajir unanimously endorse new reforms that reduce the cost of weddings. (Issa Hussein)
The new guidelines ban extravagant expenses such as the distribution of khat, hiring of tents, wedding gowns, and convoys of hired vehicles escorting the bride to her home on the wedding night.
“We will not allow these unnecessary expenses on the day of the wedding; the bride must be taken to her new home using one vehicle, not later than 8:30 pm,” said Sheikh Hassan, to applause from the youth in attendance.
The community leaders have also banned the slaughter of more than one camel during the wedding party.
A penalty of Sh50,000 will be imposed on community members who fail to adhere to the new rules.
The reforms have been welcomed by young people, who see them as a step towards financial relief and social stability.
“Marriage will now be more accessible; I will be the first beneficiary of the new reforms, and many will follow suit,” said Abdirizack Osman, a youth who attended the event.
Several religious leaders also gave sermons on the Islamic significance of making marriage more accessible and affordable.
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