This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, the Interfaith Council announced a four-step phased reopening of churches, set to begin on July 14, 2020, in strict conformity with the Ministry of Health guidelines.
According to the Council's press statement, signed by Chairman Archbishop Antony Muheria, the phased reopening of places of worship aims to enable the group to engage the State in making decisions based on daily infection statistics.
“We therefore urge and plead with Kenyans that we open places of worship in an orderly and prepared way…We must ensure the safety of each and every congregant. The Interfaith Council will review and advice accordingly in the next three weeks,” the Council noted.
Following eight meetings on June 24, where the Council received views from various religious leaders on how places of worship would begin operating in compliance with health safety rules, the Interfaith Council submitted its recommendations to President Uhuru Kenyatta, who covered part of them in his Monday address to the nation.
The Council has outlined 13 health safety guidelines to be followed in reopening of places of worship, including providing water, hand wash detergents, and sanitisers for hand hygiene, and limiting services to 100 persons.
Additionally, the Council has indicated that it will be sending representatives to the counties to monitor the reception of the guidelines and to provide civic education for the congregants.
As part of its expansion plans, the group recommended the formation of Interfaith committees at the Sub County and county levels to oversee compliance with guidelines in all places of worship.
