Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stirred public conversation after suggesting that Kenyan parents should consider arranging marriages for their Gen Z children. Speaking during a cultural event, Murkomen argued that modern young people have become increasingly reluctant to marry, and parental involvement might be the only way to preserve the institution of family in future generations.
According to Murkomen, societal shifts—driven by technology, changing values, economic pressures, and evolving lifestyle choices—have made many young people hesitant to commit to long-term relationships. He noted that, unlike previous generations who viewed marriage as a natural transition into adulthood, a significant number of Gen Zs prioritize career, personal freedom, and digital socialization over family life. Murkomen warned that if this trend continues, Kenya may experience a decline in stable family units, which he believes form the foundation of social order and moral grounding.
His remarks sparked immediate reactions across the country. Supporters of Murkomen’s position argue that arranged marriages, if consensual and rooted in family guidance, could help young people navigate the complexities of modern relationships. They insist that parental involvement might provide stability, wisdom, and cultural continuity at a time when romantic relationships are increasingly influenced by fleeting trends and online interactions.
Critics, however, dismissed the CS’s comments as outdated and disconnected from modern realities. Many young Kenyans argue that marriage should remain a personal choice built on mutual love, readiness, and compatibility—not family pressure. They believe that the challenges Gen Z faces, such as unemployment, high cost of living, and societal expectations, play a greater role in marriage hesitancy than lack of guidance. Some also felt that Murkomen’s remarks undermine young people’s ability to make responsible decisions about their own futures.
Murkomen’s statement highlights a growing generational debate about marriage, identity, and cultural evolution. As Kenya continues to modernize, traditional expectations often clash with the values and aspirations of younger generations. Whether one agrees with Murkomen or not, his comments have reignited a national conversation on how society can support young people while respecting their autonomy.
Ultimately, the discussion exposes deeper questions: Should marriage adapt to changing social norms, or should society reinforce traditional frameworks? And what role—if any—should parents play in shaping the romantic futures of their adult children? As these conversations continue, they reflect the broader tensions shaping modern Kenyan society.
