This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
On July 11, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a phased reopening of churches, allowing them to reopen with a 100-person limit and suspension of in-person Sunday School services.
However, two popular Nairobi churches, Christ is Alive Ministries (CITAM) Karen and Parklands Baptist, have decided to defy the order and remain closed.
According to separate notices issued by the churches, they are concerned that the guidelines would undermine the value of their services and would be better off remaining closed.
"A significant portion of our congregants are families with young children, we are therefore concerned that the wholesome family fellowship will be affected if we reopen under the current guidelines," Parklands Baptist noted.
Similarly, CITAM stated that after due consultations among the church management, they decided to remain closed under the current guidelines.
"We wish to inform you that after due consultations among the CITAM elders and the Pastoral team, we are of the collective view that we should not reopen our assemblies immediately. All Assemblies will remain closed until further notice," a statement by the church read.
Both churches advised their members to use virtual platforms to follow Sunday services in the meantime as they would advise on a way forward while monitoring the situation.
Jamia Mosque also issued a circular informing the Muslim community that it would not be opening its doors soon.
"Jamia Mosque Nairobi, will not be opening on the 14th of July 2020 as envisioned. The guidelines to limit prayers to only 100 persons are not practical for the Mosque given its centrality in the Central Business District (CBD)," the mosque stated.
