Manu Chandaria solemnizes marriage after 64 years

**Manu Chandaria and Aruna Chandaria at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Nairobi.** [Jennifer Wachie, Standard]

Kenyan billionaire businessman Manu Chandaria and the love of his life Aruna Chandaria renewed their vows at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Nairobi.

Chandaria, 90, was traditionally married to Aruna, 85, for 64 years, but took the bold step to formalise their union in a civil ceremony.

The two --well-advanced in age -- shared hearty smiles as they exchanged vows, much to the delight of those in attendance.

**Evergreen love: Chandaria and Aruna.** [Jennifer Wachie, Standard]

Recently, the business mogul admitted that love fades in marriage but emphasised on compromise was a key ingredient to a happy marriage.

“Sixty-four (years) is a long time and the only thing is that how comes it has continued. It’s because of give and take from both sides and consideration for each other.

“Love drives off after a period of time, but consideration of each other always makes life a possibility. She (Aruna) is 85 and I am 90 but she has the last word,” said the certified engineer in a recent TV interview.

**Chandaria and Aruna display a photo album in which their good times are frozen for posterity.** [Jennifer Wachie, Standard]

Manu’s elder brother married Aruna’s elder sister and as the two families did business together, Manu warmed up to Aruna.

Manu was born in Nairobi and Aruna in Thika, the two were separated when they returned to India during World War II.

As fate would have it, they met again in Kenya in 1952 and rekindled their love.

Considered one of Kenya’s most successful businessmen, Chandaria had the capability of planning a lavish wedding but went simple, as is his custom.

The business mogul only has five suits, two belts, a number of sweaters and around 10 shirts.

**A ring on his finger, Mau and Aruna:** [Jennifer Wachie, Standard]

In Kenya, a Civil Marriage by notice costs Sh3,900 while a Civil Marriage by Special License costs Sh9,700.

The Marriage Act, 2014 recognizes Five (5) systems of marriage, namely: Civil, Christian, Customary, Hindu and Islamic marriages.

Below we have broken down how much it will cost you to get a marriage certificate in the different categories;

Civil Marriages
These are conducted in the Registrar of Marriages, Deputy County Commissioners or Assistant County Commissioners offices;

They can be conducted through Notice or by Special license,

Notice is where both parties are Kenyan nationals and it involves the placing of a 21 days Marriage notice before the Marriage takes place

Special license is necessary where:

Any of the parties is a foreign national
Both parties are foreign nationals
Marriage outside a licensed place
Parties unable to give a 21 days’ notice

They are monogamous in Nature

Requirements for Civil Marriage by Notice: (Kenyans Only)

Both parties to appear before the Registrar’s to fill a Notice form
Valid I. Ds/Passports are required (Copy and original)
Colored Passport size photos
Death certificate if widowed or divorce decree absolute if divorced;
In the event the Divorce decree is more than a year old or a death certificate is more than 2 years old, an Affidavit to confirm marital status;

Fee Sh3,900