The rate of population decline increased in the first four months of 2019 after 2.7% fewer births and 0.8% more deaths were registered compared with the same period last year, Central Statistical Office (KSH) said. In the first four months of the year, 27,734 children were born, 757 fewer than in the same period last year, while 47,929 people died, 378 more than in Jan-Mar 2018. The rate of natural population decline was 6% (1,135) higher than in the same period a year earlier, the KSH said. The number of marriages increased, with 9,669 couples tying the knot, 2.2% more than in the same period last year.