CONUNDRUM OF CHILD MARRIAGE:

ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN FAMILY STRUCTURE IN A RURAL SET UP OF HOMABAY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Child marriage is a major challenge of the 21^st century. It is recognized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 5.3 which nations are urged to eliminate.  There have been concerted efforts by the government of Kenya to deal with the vice. Such efforts include but not limited to; enactment of international instruments like CEDAW, CRC, ACRWC; enactment of laws in Kenya such as SOA of 2006, constitution of Kenya of 2010, marriage act of 2014 and Children’s Act of 2022. Despite these efforts, the vice continues unabated, especially in Homa Bay County where the prevalence rate (40.0%) almost doubles the national prevalence rate (23%). This study sought to examine influence of family structure on child marriage. The study was guided by Social Constructionism Theory. The theory is premised on the fact that social and normative meanings are socially constructed or defined. This implies that the meanings attached to social reality are dependent on what the society builds as models of explaining and understanding such realities. The Study employed mixed method approach in which a cross-sectional household survey was applied. Study targeted 371 young married women aged 18-24 years in Homabay County as the main respondents. Chiefs, teachers and healthcare workers in the area were the key respondents. Cluster, Purposive sampling and Systematic random sampling were used as sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussions. Data was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The study reveals that family structure plays an important role in child marriage. When subjected to regression analysis, R-value of 0.895 was found showing a strong correlation. R-square value of 0.625 revealed that combined independent variables (family types, nature of respondents’ family, sleeping arrangement and number of siblings) account for 80.2% of the variation in the dependent variable (child marriage). Study recommends that government of Kenya through the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development should consider decent affordable housing in the rural areas. Study also recommends that government through Ministry of Health should dispense knowledge on contraceptive use and avail them to rural residence to reduce household population.