This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, Kenya's Interfaith Council announced that places of worship would resume services from Tuesday, under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The announcement was made by Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Chairperson of the Interfaith Council, a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta declared a phased re-opening of the country that had been on partial lockdown since March.
Kenya had recorded 8,067 COVID-19 cases and 164 deaths by July 6, 2020.
Only 100 people will be allowed at any given time, with sessions not lasting more than 1 hour, to ensure social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus.
Archbishop Muheria emphasized the importance of preparation, saying, "Please let us not rush without preparations. We all understand the great eagerness and longing that we have but with some patience and preparations, we will safely reunite."
Every place of worship will be expected to form a COVID-19 committee to monitor adherence to the new measures.
President Kenyatta had previously announced that only a maximum of 100 participants would be allowed at each worship ceremony, and Sunday Schools and Madrassas would remain suspended until further notice.
Places of worship, including churches and mosques, were closed in late March to prevent the spread of the virus.
