Nairobi, March 29 -- Dear Vivian,

I am a single mother of two. I have also been married for six years but not to the children's father. The children have become fond of my husband. In fact, they have known him as their "second dad" since he assumed all parental responsibilities. We have now broken up and he has cut all financial ties. Can I sue him for parental responsibility?

Anne Chelimo, Nakuru

Dear Chelimo,

The legal framework regarding parental responsibility in Kenya over children is defined in two key contexts: biological fathers and mothers' spouses.

According to Article 53(e) of the Constitution, both father and mother have equal parental responsibility over children, whether they are married or not. This responsibility is a...