This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
On July 19, 2020, Nairobi's city churches resumed in-person worship services after a 90-day closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of services is subject to strict guidelines aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
Our Lady of Mercy Guadalupe Parish, Light House Christian Church, and Revival Sanctuary of Glory in Kawangware were among the churches that welcomed their congregants back to church. The churches have implemented measures to ensure social distancing, including limiting congregations to a maximum of 100 worshipers within a period of not more than an hour.
Our Lady of Mercy Guadalupe Parish Father Javier Gonzales revealed that the church is conducting 10 services in a day to accommodate as many of its parishioners as possible. The first service starts at 7am, while the last one begins at 5pm.
However, some churches reported low attendance on the first day of resumption. Light House Christian Church Secretary Bridgit Mulanya attributed the low turnout to the fact that many members are mothers who are taking care of their younger children who cannot be allowed to come in.
Revival Sanctuary of Glory Pastor Martin Ng'ang'a also reported low attendance, with only 30 people attending the first and third services. He suspected that people fear contracting the virus, leading to the low turnout.
Other city churches, including Anglican's mother-church All Saint Cathedral, Christ is the Answer Ministries, Parkland Baptist Church, and Nairobi Chapel, opted out of in-person worship sessions and instead broadcast services online and through television.
