This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Kenya's places of worship are set to re-open on July 14, after an interfaith council appointed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe recommended the move.
The council, led by Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria, has outlined a four-phase reopening plan, with the first phase commencing next week.
Guidelines for the reopening of churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship include:
- Handwashing and sanitiser facilities
- Proper facemask use at all times
- Social distancing of 1.5 metres
- Maximum of 100 people per service
- Age limit of 13-58 years, with the sick and elderly advised to stay home
- One-hour services, with multiple services allowed per day
- Regular cleaning of places of worship
- Sanitising of shared items
- Avoidance of unnecessary contact
- Use of thermal guns
Archbishop Muheria has left it to individual centres to decide whether faith leaders over 58 years can still oversee worship proceedings.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had previously advised that congregants above the age of 58 years and below 13 years should not attend in-person services.
The interfaith council has also recommended the formation of a Covid-19 response team in each congregation and the establishment of inter-faith committees at the County and Sub-county level.
