Bride Price and the Cost It Entails on Domestic Violence, A Study of Tunyai Division, Tharaka District in Kenya

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine the bride price and the cost it entails on domestic violence in Tunyai Division, Tharaka south District-Kenya. The research was guided by the following objectives: to analyze the bride price in Tharaka Community, to determine the impact of bride price on family violence in Tharaka Community and to identify the way forward on bridal price in Tharaka Community The research applied both qualitative and quantitative research designs in presenting and interpreting the research findings. The technique of data collection used was mainly the use of questionnaire. Selection of the samples was based on simple random, purposive sampling techniques so as to give all the respondents equal chances of participating in the study. The results showed that bride price is an underlying factor of gender inequality, which has reduced women to being the property of the husband and this makes them to be submissive to men. A number of measures have been drawn up basing on the researcher’s observation and conclusions of the research findings. These includes, the payment of bride price should be made voluntary, the government should come up with a legislation to regulate the institution, bride be non-refundable and women be empower to elevated their status. In conclusion the bride price payment has led to increased domestic violence, improvised the party paying t and has been commercialized hence loosing its original meaning. i