The Place of Cohabitation Unions Under the Marriage Act 2014 of Kenya and Marriage Act Cap 251 of Uganda

ABSTRACT Cohabitation unions have been on the increase perhaps due to the recognition of family units, as a result of increased urbanization and increased isolation of young people from their family network. These unions have become common as the meaning of family continues to increasingly transform in the wake of the fast changing societal values. The proliferation of divorce, re-marriage, step families and single parenthood has liberalized the idea of family from the way it was traditionally understood. With these structural changes, attitude towards non-marital unions have become increasingly permissive. This research therefore considers cohabitation in light of the future of marriage from a legal and cultural framework by examining the demographic context, legal structure and future speculation on the issue of unmarried individuals living together.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration .............................................................................................. i

Approval. ................................................................................................ .ii

Dedication ............................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgement ................................................................................... iv

Abstract ................................................................................................... v

Table of cases ......................................................................................... vi

List of statutes ........................................................................................ viii

CHAPTER ONE:

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ............................................................. 5

1.3 Objectives of the study ................................................................. 5

1. 3 .1 Specific objectives .................................................................... 5

1.4 Scope of the study ....................................................................... 6

1. 5 Justification of the study.. . .......................................................... 6

1.6 Significance of the study ............................................................... 6

1.7 Literature review .......................................................................... ?

1.8 Research methodology ................................................................ 14

CHAPTER TWO:

2.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 15

2.2 Definition of marriage .................................................................... 16

2.3 Presumption of Marriage ................................................................ 18

2.4 Definition of Cohabitation ............................................................... 19

CHAPTER THREE:

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 25

3.2 Property acquired before the relationship ..................................... 25

3.3 Income and investments ................................................................ 26

ix

3 .4 Housekeeping allowance and maintenance ................................... 28

3.5 Personal property .......................................................................... 32

3.6 Matrimonial Home ......................................................................... 33

CHAPTER FOUR:

4.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 36

4.2 Cohabitation and inheritance ......................................................... 39

4.2.1 Rights of a surviving spouse under Intestacy ........................... .41

4.2.2 Intestate leaves spouse and child or children ............................ 41

4.3 Rights of children ......................................................................... .42

4.4 Where the intestate leaves no surviving spouse or children ........ .44

CHAPTER FIVE:

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 46

5.2 Conclusions of the study ............................................................... 46

5.3 Recommendations ......................................................................... 48

References