Mandera East Member of Parliament Hussein Weytan has unveiled an expanded edition of his mass wedding programme, announcing that 100 beneficiaries — 50 men and 50 women — will receive full sponsorship in 2026.
The initiative, designed to help low-income couples overcome the financial barriers to marriage, will cover the full cost of the nikah ceremony, wedding attire and other essential wedding expenses. A local committee will also assist the newlyweds in furnishing their homes as they begin married life.
Speaking during the announcement, Weytan said the programme is intended to restore dignity and support young people who are ready to start families but cannot afford the costs associated with marriage.
“This programme is about restoring dignity and giving deserving men and women the opportunity to build families. We will continue supporting vulnerable members of our community through this initiative,” he said.
The programme was first launched in December 2023, fulfilling a campaign pledge made after Weytan’s election in 2022. Its inaugural edition sponsored the marriages of 25 couples in Mandera Town.
The MP reiterated that the initiative is financed entirely from his personal resources and not through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) or any other public funds.
Registration for the 2026 programme is expected to begin soon. Applicants will be vetted by a committee comprising community elders, religious leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the support reaches those most in need.
Weytan noted that the programme was suspended in 2025 due to the severe drought that affected Mandera County, saying it would have been inappropriate to hold celebrations while many families were facing hardship.
“We postponed last year’s event because our people were going through a difficult time. Holding a mass wedding then would have appeared extravagant while many families were struggling. This year, we are ready to resume and double the number of beneficiaries,” he said.
According to the MP, the programme has already had a lasting social impact, with dozens of children born to couples who participated in the first edition. He cited the story of 54-year-old Jaafar Mohamed, whose participation attracted national attention, as one of the initiative’s most memorable successes.
The expanded programme is the largest since its inception and is expected to benefit more families across Mandera East while easing the financial burden of marriage for vulnerable residents.
