KENYA: Government Extends Term of Covid-19 Interfaith Council, Religious Gathering for Children Permitted
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The term of operation for the Interfaith Council for National Response to Coronavirus pandemic that was set up by the government mid-June 2020 to function until December 31, 2020, and whose mandate could be prolonged at the discretion of His Excellency the President, has now been extended for six months.
The extension period comes following the second wave of Covid-19 which calls for continuous adherence to precautions and development of modalities to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
In a press release dated Monday, January 25, the Council members have appreciated the government for the extended period noting that “the fight against the Covid pandemic is not over and we have yet to fully graduate in the phased re-opening of places of worship.”
“We take this opportunity to thank the President and the Cabinet Secretaries of Ministries of Interior and National Coordination and Health for the extension of our term for a further six months,” reads an excerpt of the statement signed by the Chairman of the Council Archbishop Anthony Muheria.
Even though the country is experiencing a second wave of the pandemic, the Council members have disclosed appreciation that the curve is going downwards as the number of new cases is decreasing countrywide.
“The numbers of daily new infections have now come down to less than 200; the number of daily deaths to less than 10,” reads the statement adding, “This is good news but it should not make us relent in the measures to fight this virus. However it is a great sign of hope and of the conviction that we can overcome this pandemic.”
At the same time, after due consideration of the compliance in places of worship and experience in schools, the Interfaith Council has permitted the resumption of Sunday schools, Madrassas and other religious learning gatherings for children as from Monday, January 25 but with strict compliance to Covid-19 prevention guidelines.
The statement clarifies further, “Special care and attention should be given to assist and guide the children to follow the indications of wearing masks and social distancing throughout the sessions.”
They highlighted that opening of schools marked a new phase in a return to normalcy though in some learning institutions “a fitting solution has not been found for learners to attend weekly worship.”
“Spiritual support is crucial in their fragile state and we hope that regular worship can resume with necessary precautions,” the collective statement reads.
The Council further adds, “We will consult with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to ensure that children access regular services in schools within the MOH (Ministry of Health) guidelines.”
In conclusion, the religious leaders asked for continued prayers for God’s intervention and appealed to all people to try to adhere to the minimum guidelines not only in places of worship but also in all public places.
