Gender dimensions in law, colonialism and inheritance in East Africa: Kenyan women's experiences

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Gender dimensions in law, colonialism and inheritance in East Africa: Kenyan women's experiences
Author:	Kameri-Mbote, Patricia G.
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Verfassung und Recht in Übersee
Volume:	35
Issue:	3
Pages:	373-398
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	customary law family law law of inheritance women
Abstract:	This paper gives an account of the application of inheritance laws in Kenya from colonialism to date, focusing on the conflict between introduced English norms and customary norms and the effects of that conflict on the rights of women to inherit property. It also maps the continuum in the application of customary legal principles, dispelling the dichotomy that legislators passing uniform laws of inheritance modelled after the English laws seem to assume. It points out that there is a need to rethink and reconceptualize the implications of customary laws of succession and inheritance in any meaningful law reform programme that seeks to enhance women's rights to inherit property. Notes, ref. sum. (p.353)