This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On Wednesday, the Inter-Faith Council, appointed by the government to oversee the phased reopening of places of worship, formally began its sittings. The Council aims to ensure in-person congregational worship and spiritual functions adhere to containment measures to halt the spread of COVID-19.
The Council's mandate is premised on the World Health Organization's cautionary advice that the novel coronavirus could become endemic in the human population. The team is expected to co-opt any other persons to ensure the agreed general standard operating procedures are cascaded to all faith leaders at the grassroots.
The Council was jointly inaugurated by Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Fred Matiang'i and Mutahi Kagwe. CS Kagwe underscored the need to premise consultations and decisions on the sole mission of preserving the lives of Kenyans as the national government progressively cascades policy guidance on roles and responsibilities to other stakeholders, including county governments and members of the public.
“The disease is not subsiding and our curve remains stubbornly elevated. Based on our forecast and projection models, the figures are likely to increase in the foreseeable future. Therefore, let’s endeavor to make decisions whose consequences we can bear,” he said.
Dr. Matiang’i urged the Council to align its operations with the government’s efforts in COVID-19 infection prevention and control interventions against the virus and its impact in the country.
“We are hurting together as a family; we will rise or fall together as a country. Therefore, let’s face this challenge together, and continue praying to God for strength as we prepare to enter this new normal,” he said.
The Council has 16 members, including Most (Rev.) Archbishop Anthony Muheria as Chairperson, and will present an interim report within three weeks for review and further action. The team's mandate shall lapse on December 31, 2020, but may be extended at the discretion of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta.
