This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Kenya has taken a significant step towards reopening places of worship as the country continues to ease Covid-19 containment measures. On Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and his Health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe inaugurated a 15-member interfaith council tasked with developing a protocol for reopening places of worship.
According to Matiang'i, the government is ready to work with religious leaders in managing the pandemic by providing them with necessary support, including data from both ministries to facilitate their deliberations.
"I'm hoping to hear from the council in two to three weeks' time on what they have deliberated on in pushing the country forward," Matiang'i said.
The Interior CS also noted that once the council finishes its work, the report will be sent to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese, who chairs the council, emphasized the importance of Kenyans' willingness to comply with government regulations, such as social distancing and proper sanitation, for the reopening of places of worship to be successful.
"The reopening of our public spaces of worship will largely depend on our willingness to protect each other, making it safe to meet with minimal risks," Archbishop Muheria added.
Following a directive from President Kenyatta, the Interior and Health ministries appointed the council last week. As part of its mandate, the council will supervise the resumption of in-person congregational worship and spiritual functions in strict adherence to the containment measures.
