Uhuru Directs Reopening of Places of Worship, Bars to Remain Closed

President Uhuru has directed a gradual reopening of places of worship but under strict conditions.

In a state of the nation address from Harambee House on Monday, Uhuru said churches and mosques must comply with set guidelines before they are allowed to resume operations.

“Places of worship will commence phased reopening for congregational worship and the public can attend in strict conformity with all applicable guidelines and protocols including the self-regulating guidelines that have been developed by the Inter-Faith Council,” noted Uhuru.

“Our places of worship to open in a period that does not exceed three weeks after they have had the opportunity to fully engage with their colleagues across the country.”

They will only be allowed to have a maximum of 100 congregants at any given session, which should not last for more than an hour.  

In addition, worshippers under the age of 13 years and those aged 58 and above as well as those with underlying health conditions have been barred from attending services.

Uhuru further lifted the cessation of movement imposed on the Nairobi metropolitan area, Mombasa and Mandera counties effective 4 am Tuesday.

At the same time, the nationwide 9 pm to 4 am daily curfew, closure of bars as well as the ban on all political and social gatherings were extended for a further 30 days. 

“The prohibition against social and political gatherings, of whatever nature, is extended for a further period of 30 days. The restriction of the operation of bars to ‘take-away’ only, and the restrictions on the number of persons who can attend weddings and funerals is extended for a further period of 30 days,” Uhuru said.