Nairobi: A law allowing men in Kenya to marry as many women as they want has been signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta, despite criticism from women's groups.

A statement from the presidency confirmed that the bill "consolidates various laws relating to marriage."

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. Credit:AFP

The bill, which amended existing legislation, was passed by parliament last month to formalise traditional practice regarding marrying more than one person.

"Marriage is the voluntary union of a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous union," the presidential statement added.