Uhuru: We are reopening churches but…

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday announced the phased reopening of places of worship in the country but extended the closure of bars for another 30 days.



President Kenyatta, who addressed the nation at Harambee House, however stated that the places of worship must first comply with set regulations before opening back their doors.



The Head of State stated that such regulations include a condition of only 100 congregants at any given worship session which he added should not take more than an hour each.



He said persons under the age of 13 years and those over the age of 58 as well as those with underlying health conditions shall not attend worship, also extending the suspension of Sunday schools and madrasas “until further notice.”



“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,” he said.



“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.”



He added: “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.”



The president also directed the Ministry of Education to notify the public on the resumption of the 2020 academic calendar for basic education as well as tertiary institutions by Tuesday.