For generations, marriage was viewed as a defining milestone of adulthood, a natural progression after education, employment, and personal growth.
Today, however, a growing number of young people are choosing to delay marriage or avoid it altogether, citing economic pressures, changing social attitudes, and fears of relationship failure.
One of the biggest reasons is economic hardship. Rising living costs, unemployment, and financial instability have made many young adults feel unprepared for the responsibilities that come with marriage.
Simon, a 30-year-old youth, says the burden of providing for a family in the current economy has discouraged him from getting married.
“Life has become too expensive. I can barely sustain myself, so starting a family right now would be a huge challenge,” he says.
Apart from financial concerns, many young people are also afraid of relationship failure. The increasing number of divorces and broken marriages has created doubt about the success of long-term commitments.
John, another young man, notes that negative perceptions surrounding modern marriages have made many youths cautious about taking the matrimonial path.
“Every day we hear stories of failed marriages and painful separations. It makes many young people fear making the same mistakes,” he says.
Despite these concerns, older generations hold a different view. They believe that waiting for perfect financial stability before marrying may delay family life unnecessarily.
A 55-year-old elder named John Wafula advises young people to start with the little they have and build their lives together gradually.
“Do not wait to settle, but rather just start from the little you have. Marriage is about growing together and supporting one another through life’s challenges,” he says.
As economic pressures and fears of failed relationships continue to rise, many youths remain reluctant to marry. Whether they overcome these challenges or continue embracing singlehood remains a significant social question of our time.
“Young people should not allow fear to stop them from building families, but they must also be realistic about the challenges they face,” the elder stated
Very true most youths fear getting married because of the high killing. Before, youths were being trained on how overcome challenges in future through many organised youths meetings where senior or experienced people were called to come and speak to this youths so that they became aware of common challenges. But nowadays because of the advanced technology they are learning for themselves. They are having their own time with the social media like tiktok, facebook .This has resulted to this challenges