The effect of nuptiality status variables on fertility: the Kenyan experience

"This paper examines the relationship between fertility and nuptiality in Kenya using data from the Kenya Fertility Survey 1977/78. The results show that completed fertility (the cumulative fertility at the end of the reproductive period 15-49) decreases with the rise in age at first marriage. Type of union is also found to affect marital stability, frequency of marriage and consequently completed fertility. Regardless of type of union, women whose first union is still continuing have higher fertility than those women whose first union was dissolved and who married once or several times after. Highest fertility is experienced by women married only once and...in monogamous unions. The results also show that polygamously married older women among the rural populations experience higher fertility than their counterparts in the urban areas regardless of age." (SUMMARY IN AFR)