Why Cabinet wants to regulate church, health sector

Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi.[PCS]

The Cabinet has approved wide-reaching reforms that will bring religious institutions and health facilities under closer government oversight and revive efforts to partially privatise the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), a major player in the energy supply chain.

The decisions were made Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting at State House, chaired by President William Ruto. In a dispatch, the presidency described the measures as intended to "safeguard public interest and enhance accountability" in sectors long plagued by regulatory gaps, public mistrust, and political interference.

At the centre of the proposed reforms is a plan to regulate churches, mosques, temples, and other religious institutions-an idea that has previously drawn fierce opposition. The proposal comes in the aftermath of the Shakahola tragedy, where more than 400 followers of controversial Pastor Paul Makenzi were found buried in mass graves after allegedly starving to death.

"Key proposals include enacting a legal framework to govern religious organisations, establishing a Religious Affairs Commission, and strengthening umbrella faith organisations for coordination," the Cabinet said.

The policy would establish a multi-agency structure involving security agencies, interfaith councils, and educational institutions to support implementation. While some religious leaders have voiced concern about state overreach, the government insists the move is not aimed at undermining faith. "This is not an attack on religion," said a senior government official. "It's about protecting Kenyans from rogue elements who misuse the pulpit."

Efforts to regulate faith-based institutions have surfaced before, but they've often stumbled amid resistance from influential religious figures. This time, officials say the sheer scale of the Shakahola deaths has shifted public opinion in favor of tighter controls.

The Cabinet also endorsed a bill targeting what it called "widespread abuse and poor regulation" in Kenya's healthcare system. The law proposes mandatory licensing, registration, and accreditation of all health facilities-public and private-and would subject them to regular inspections under a unified quality framework.

"The Bill seeks to eliminate systemic fraud, regulatory loopholes, and conflicts of interest that have long undermined healthcare delivery and public trust," the dispatch said.

Officials noted that unqualified facilities have obtained licences and operate due to weak enforcement and collusion among regulators, medical professionals, and service providers. The proposed reforms also seek to integrate private health data into the government's universal health coverage platform, allowing better oversight and coordination. Public confidence in healthcare has been shaken in recent years, with widespread complaints of exploitation in private clinics, delays in public hospitals, and a lack of transparency in medical insurance billing. The Cabinet said the proposed changes are designed to address these issues and hold all providers to the same standards.

Privatisation was another major focus, where the Cabinet approved reinstatement of Kenya Pipeline Company into its privatisation programme, setting the stage for sale of a portion of the state's stake in the firm. The Cabinet called the move part of a broader strategy to "democratise ownership" and bring in new investment through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

KPC is responsible for transportation and storage of petroleum products across Kenya and parts of the region. Despite being profitable and holding significant asset value, officials argue the company has not reached its potential due to bureaucratic constraints.