Gen Z Marriage Debate Erupts After Listener Proposes Living Separately

A discussion about changing attitudes towards marriage among Kenya’s Gen Z population took an unexpected turn during a morning broadcast on Classic 105 FM after a young listener proposed a relationship arrangement that does not involve couples living under the same roof.

The debate unfolded during the station’s popular breakfast show, hosted by Maina Kageni and Mwalimu King’ang’i, as the presenters and listeners examined changing expectations around relationships, marriage and personal independence.

Listener proposes separate homes

Maina Kageni read out a message from a listener identified as Purity, who said she would prefer a marriage in which partners maintain separate homes and decide when to spend time together.

“I want a marriage where everyone is living in their own space, and we just plan when to see each other.”

Purity explained that her preference was largely driven by her desire for personal space and independence.

“I love my own space and doing my own things.”

The proposal immediately drew a reaction from the presenters, with Mwalimu King’ang’i questioning whether such an arrangement could still be considered a conventional marriage.

“What kind of a marriage is that?”

He went on to describe the arrangement as a departure from traditional expectations.

“That’s not marriage, that’s arrangement.”

King’ang’i characterised the idea as a “new age marriage”, reflecting what he saw as changing attitudes among younger people.

Are traditional marriages losing appeal?

The discussion then shifted to broader questions about whether marriage remains a priority for young Kenyans.

Maina observed that some younger adults are increasingly questioning traditional expectations such as elaborate weddings, conventional gender roles and strict expectations around relationships.

He said:

“Amongst Gen Z marriage is nowhere in the radar.”

The programme also received messages from listeners who appeared to favour less formal relationship arrangements.

One listener argued that cohabitation was preferable to legal marriage, particularly for couples who have children.

“Come we stay is the real deal if you get children, it’s okay if we don’t we move on with life, marriage is for weak people.”

The comments added another dimension to the discussion, highlighting the growing diversity of views surrounding long-term relationships among young adults.

Listeners share their views

Callers also joined the conversation, with some saying marriage was not currently part of their plans.

Simon, a 25-year-old caller, said marriage held little appeal for him or many of his friends.

“In fact all my friend they don’t want that, they don’t even care about that.”

Another caller spoke about his 24-year-old sister, saying she had been in several relationships and did not feel compelled to settle down with one partner.

Older listeners also shared similar views about maintaining their independence rather than pursuing marriage.

One caller said:

“We are hitting 30s and above unmarried and unbothered. We want no stress, we don’t want any peace disturbance, let marriage be there on the side.”

The discussion highlighted the increasingly varied ways Kenyans view relationships, with some young adults prioritising independence, personal space and flexibility over traditional marriage structures.