Psychosocial experiences and identity negotiation in mixed marriages within selected churches in Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya

Mixed marriages are increasingly common in contexts marked by cultural and religious diversity, yet they present unique psychosocial and relational challenges. This study examined how couples in mixed marriages within two selected churches in Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya negotiate cultural, religious, and social differences in their marital relationships. Guided by Identity Negotiation Theory and Family Systems Theory, the study adopted a phenomenological qualitative design, utilizing in-depth interviews with 12 participants in mixed marriages who were purposely selected for the study. The findings revealed that couples actively construct a shared “third culture” through blending and adaptation, while relying on communication, negotiation, and boundary-setting as key relational strategies. However, these processes are shaped by significant external influences, including extended family interference, religious expectations, and societal pressures. The study further revealed a complex interplay of psychosocial outcomes, with participants navigating distress manifested through stress, exclusion, and identity tensions, alongside resilience expressed in relational growth, empathy, and social cohesion. Support systems, especially those provided by churches, peer networks, and counselling services, are instrumental in mediating these outcomes. This study contributes to existing literature by providing context-specific insights into mixed marriages in Kenya and highlights the need for culturally responsive interventions to support couples navigating complex relational dynamics.