Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, has weighed in on the debate surrounding gospel singerMercy Masika’s Becoming a Wife masterclass, saying marriage is not the only thing women aspire to achieve.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Kate clarified that her remarks were not against marriage but emphasised that women also have other personal and professional goals.
“We are not against marriage; it really is a beautiful thing! But it’s not the ONLY thing women aspire to have: degrees, title deeds, financial wellness, mental wellness, etc.! Stay guided!” she wrote.
Her remarks come amid growing criticism of Masika’s marriage masterclass, which has sparked conversations about traditional gender roles and expectations placed on women in relationships.
Why Mercy Masika’s masterclass is facing criticism
Masika recently announced Becoming a Wife, a programme designed to help women prepare for marriage through Christian teachings and mentorship. The masterclass is scheduled to run from November 21 to December 12, 2026, across seven sessions. Among the announced speakers is Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna.
While promoting the programme, Masika said it was intended for women who believe marriage should not be miserable and want to build relationships guided by Christian principles.
“This is for every woman who believes marriage shouldn’t be miserable, who wants to get it right and trusts that God’s way is best. You’ll never regret choosing His design,” she wrote.
However, the programme has attracted mixed reactions, with some Kenyans questioning why women are being taught how to become wives and whether men are receiving similar guidance on becoming husbands.
Debate over expectations placed on women
Some critics argue that marriage requires effort from both partners and that lessons on communication, respect, accountability and emotional maturity should address men and women equally.
Others have questioned whether programmes focusing on preparing women for marriage risk placing too much responsibility on wives to keep relationships together, while giving less attention to the conduct and responsibilities of husbands.
The discussion has also brought attention to the different aspirations women pursue, including education, property ownership, financial independence and mental wellbeing.
For some critics, the concern is not with marriage counselling or Christian mentorship itself, but with ensuring that marriage is presented as one aspect of a woman’s life rather than her only measure of success.
Masika, who married David Muguro in 2008, has spoken about challenges she faced in the early stages of her marriage and lessons she learnt along the way.
Her masterclass has therefore opened up a wider conversation about marriage preparation, personal ambitions and the need for both partners to take responsibility for building healthy relationships.
