Advertisement
Real reasons many Gen Zs are afraid to get married
29th June, 2026 05:47 PM
For many young Kenyans, marriage is no longer the next obvious step after finding love. Unlike their parents’ generation, where people often married in their early 20s, many Gen Zs are choosing to wait or are unsure whether marriage is even for them.
Conversations on social media show a growing number of young people saying they would rather stay single than rush into a marriage they may later regret. Others insist they still believe in love but want to be certain they are making the right choice.
So, what has changed?
Here are some of the reasons why young people are afraid to get married.
The economy is making marriage feel expensive
Life in Kenya is becoming more expensive by the day. Rent keeps going up, jobs are hard to find, and even those with stable incomes are struggling to make ends meet.
For many Gen Zs, the thought of paying bills, planning a wedding, raising children and supporting a family feels overwhelming. They would rather focus on building their careers and becoming financially stable before saying “I do”.
Many divorces and breakups
Many Gen Zs grew up watching marriages end in divorce, infidelity or constant conflict. Some witnessed their parents separate, while others have watched relatives and close friends go through painful breakups.
Social media has also made things worse. Every week there seems to be another story about a celebrity couple calling it quits or exposing each other’s private lives online.
These experiences have made many young people ask themselves one question: What if my marriage ends the same way?
Peace of mind comes first
Unlike older generations who often stayed in unhappy marriages for the sake of family or tradition, many Gen Zs believe protecting their mental health is just as important as finding a partner.
They would rather remain single than stay in a toxic relationship. For them, marriage should bring peace, not stress.
Career goals
Today’s young people are more focused on achieving personal goals. Some are building businesses, others are pursuing further studies or trying to secure stable employment.
Marriage is still part of the plan for many, but not before they feel they have built the life they want.
Fear of choosing the wrong partner
Dating has become more complicated. Stories of betrayal, financial exploitation, domestic violence and cheating have left many young people questioning whether they can fully trust someone.
Some say finding genuine love today feels harder than ever, making them more cautious about committing to marriage.
Society no longer dictates the timeline
Years ago, people were constantly asked, “When are you getting married?” Today, many Gen Zs are pushing back against that pressure.
They believe everyone has their own journey and that there is nothing wrong with getting married later in life or choosing not to marry at all.
Love is still important
Despite the growing hesitation around marriage, most Gen Zs have not given up on love. Many still hope to find a caring, loyal and supportive partner.
The difference is that they are taking their time.
They want relationships built on friendship, trust, respect and shared values instead of rushing into marriage because of age, family pressure or societal expectations.
Gen Z’s hesitation towards marriage does not mean they are against commitment. Instead, it reflects the realities they are growing up in: a tough economy, changing social norms and a generation that is more open about mental health and personal happiness.
For many young Kenyans today, marriage is no longer about ticking a box. It is about finding the right person, at the right time, for the right reasons.
