Gov’t postpones public participation on Religious Organization laws

The government has postponed deliberations on the Religious Organisations Policy, 2024 and the Religious Organisations Bill 2024, putting on hold on the legislative process until next year to allow for broader public participation.

The delay aims to incorporate feedback from faith communities on the proposed law, which seeks to regulate religious groups, establish a registrar, and mandate clear governance in religious institutions.

The postponement will allow for comprehensive and meaningful public participation across all religious groups and the incorporation of feedback from faith communities on the bill and the proposed policy governing religious institutions.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced the government’s decision to postpone the legislative process of the proposed Religious Organisations Policy, 2024, and the draft Religious Organisations Bill, 2024.

“By granting additional time, the government seeks to ensure that every voice is heard and that the final framework reflects the values, diversity, and aspirations of Kenya’s faith community,” said a statement from the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary underscored the importance of transparency, dialogue, and mutual respect as the cornerstone of policy development, emphasizing that legislation touching on matters of faith must be guided by inclusivity and national cohesion.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding religious freedom while strengthening structures that promote accountability and harmony within the sector.

The government had last week called on Kenyans to submit their views on the proposed Religious Organizations Policy, 2024, and the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024.

The state had invited the public to share their input on the bill and the proposed policy through public forums, which had been scheduled to start from December 14 to December 19.

The proposed legislation is based on recommendations from the Presidential Task Force led by former NCCK Secretary-General Dr Mutava Musyimi. It was established in response to the Shakahola tragedy, which saw over 400 bodies exhumed from the forest linked to Pastor Paul Mackenzie.

The draft Religious Organizations Bill 2024, mandates that all religious organizations submit annual financial returns to the government. The bill proposes the establishment of the Religious Affairs Commission, which will oversee religious matters and require institutions to furnish financial returns, accounts, and register members.