Public Worship Duration and Age Limit Extended in Kenya's New Phased Reopening

“We shall especially take care to follow the indication of wearing face masks at all times, hand washing before and after the worship and keeping social distance. We encourage the use of thermal guns,” Kenya’s Interfaith Council Chairman said during the August 11 press conference.

He added, “Please ensure regular disinfection of Places of worship.”

Places of worship in the East African country reopened on July 7 under strict guidelines after being closed since March 22 in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic that has so far infected at least 26,928 people and claimed 423 lives; at least 13,495 patients have recovered.

During the press conference, the leadership of the Interfaith Council expressed appreciation for “exceptional” compliance to COVID-19 guidelines in the pre-opening phase of places of worship by religious leaders and the faithful.

“We have had over 90% compliance in the places of worship that reopened to the public. This is an exceptional performance and example to all in Nation,” Archbishop Muheria said and added, “We thank all religious leaders who have truly shown leadership by sometimes even going an extra mile to ensure safety of our congregants.”

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The Archbishop who is the Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri however revealed the Interfaith Council’s displeasure at the “continued flouting” of funeral guidelines with a compliance rate of “below 10%.” 

“We wish to appeal to us all, our political leaders, our religious leaders, our dear families: We all would wish to have big occasions to bid farewell to our loved ones, but we must not create an opportunity to put others in danger because of our carelessness, and lack of discipline,” the Council Chairman urged.

The leadership of the Interfaith Council also revised upwards the number of funeral attendants from 50 to 100.

“We plead that we strictly follow this requirement in order to contain any infection spread through Funerals,” Archbishop Muheria said and added, “We also insist that there should not be food sharing as the risk becomes even higher when people remove their masks to eat.”

During the press conference, the Interfaith Council Chairman made a “special appeal” to young people.

“You, young people are full of life, and you love being together. For this same reason, you can be an easy avenue for this virus to reach especially our elderly and sick, if you do not take precautions,” he said.

He added in reference to the young people, “Please encourage one another to wear masks and to avoid greeting, hugging, or being together without masks and without social distancing. You are now in the frontline of this battle and we plead with you to commit yourselves and encourage your peers to comply.”

“We urge all Kenyans, whatever your faith, to continue praying to God so that He can bring to an end this terrible scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us not tire in praying, but also, let us place our utmost efforts to humanely combat this enemy,” Kenya’s Interfaith Council Chairman said.