Logit Model Analysis Of Factors Influencing Early Female Marriage In Kenya

Abstract

Marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a milestone in adult life. However the practice of early marriage, common in many developing countries, has led to the abuse of this stage of life. This paper seeks to establish the determinants of female age at first marriage in Kenya using the Kenya Demographic Health (KDHS 2003) data. Multivariate Logit model analysis has been used to examine the effect of various factors thought to determine the female age at first marriage. Among the factors considered are; Region, Residence, Education level, childhood residence, Religion, Literacy, Premarital sexual intercourse, Premarital child bearing, Circumcision and the decision maker on whether to marry.