By John Kariuki

A powerful and timely programme is taking shape in Mbeere as The Real Marriage Counselling team prepares to host a transformative December Groomsmen Special Edition at Thiba River Camp on November twenty nine and November thirty, 2025. Carefully designed for men aged twenty nine to thirty nine, the retreat promises a meaningful and eye opening journey into the realities of modern marriage, responsible husbandhood, and long term family leadership.

Built around the guiding theme “What your boy needs to know before tying the knot”, the retreat aims to equip men with wisdom, grounded experience, and emotional readiness for lasting partnerships. This edition comes at a time when evolving societal expectations, financial strain, emotional fatigue, and shifting gender roles are reshaping the meaning of marriage across Kenya.

One of the standout figures in this programme is Kenneth Mwige, the Director of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat , a respected national development strategist and seasoned leader. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mwige brings profound personal insight into marital dynamics, having lived through two marriages spanning seventeen years and thirty three months. His presence adds exceptional depth and credibility to the retreat, offering participants a blend of lived experience, intellectual clarity, and leadership perspective that few mentors can match. His approach to resilience, emotional intelligence, and responsible manhood forms one of the retreat’s most anticipated segments.

He will be joined by Ken Njiru, admired for sustaining a stable marriage of more than thirty years, and Ndìng’uri the elder senge, a symbolic figure of wisdom, loyalty, and guiding tradition within the camp.

Throughout the two day programme, participants will explore the complex realities affecting modern relationships. Sessions on fatherhood and husbandhood will unpack the pressures around finances, emotional balance, expectation management, and building stable homes.

With nearly half of marriages in Kenya experiencing significant strain, the retreat will also examine the difficult subjects of separation, divorce, custody arrangements, and maintenance. Participants will learn healthier conflict resolution methods, co parenting approaches, and emotional tools to protect children from the negative effects of parental disputes.

A dedicated session on single motherhood and the boychild will address the need for shared responsibility and stronger community structures to support young men in today’s world. This will include vital conversations about mentorship, identity, and the societal expectations placed on the male gender.

Estate planning and legacy building will feature prominently as facilitators guide participants through the importance of drafting a last will and testament, safeguarding family property, and ensuring stability for future generations. For many men who rarely discuss such topics, this session is expected to be particularly empowering.

The retreat will also emphasize smart relationships by focusing on emotional intelligence, communication, peace of mind, conflict management, and the creation of safe emotional spaces that sustain long term partnerships. Facilitators will further break down provisions under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that clarify the rights, responsibilities, and legal options available to men in marriage.

To deepen the reflective experience, an overnight bonfire will allow participants to bond, share stories, and engage in guided conversations under the calm night ambience. This powerful session aims to build brotherhood, trust, and emotional clarity among men from diverse backgrounds.

Registration fees range from two thousand to three thousand five hundred shillings depending on one’s category. Early registration is encouraged due to increasing interest from soon to be grooms, married men seeking guidance, and young professionals preparing for future family life.

With modern society placing immense pressure on men while offering limited spaces for honest conversations, this retreat stands out as a meaningful platform for personal growth, emotional preparation, and practical guidance on the journey toward marriage and responsible manhood.