Couples planning to get married in Kenya could soon be paying more for the marriage certificate following an increase in the cost of marriage certificates.

According to the clergy, who have protested the price hike, the cost of the marriage certificate book has risen by 150 per cent. Previously the book with 100 leaflets cost sh 20,000 but the new booklet costs Sh25,000 yet it has only 50 leaves.

A directive issued to the church leaders by the Attorney General, Githu Muigai, requires the ministers of faith, who have been officiating marriages, to renew their licenses and also apply for the new marriage books which should be used from November 1 failure to which their licenses will be revoked.

As stipulated in section 50 of the Marriage Act 2014, which was assented on: 20th April, 2014 and commenced on 20th May, 2014, the ministers of faith are licensed to act as marriage officers through an application to the registrar of marriages.

Churches are also required to submit authentic records documenting all marriages that are scheduled to be conducted before November 1.

The cost of weddings continues to pose a challenge to many couples in Kenya who dream of getting married and the increment in the cost of the marriage certificate will only add more weight.