Task force recommends fresh registration for all religious institutions

President William Ruto receives taskforce report at State House on Tuesday. [PCS]

A task force reviewing laws governing churches has recommended that all religious institutions in Kenya undergo fresh registration as part of strict vetting procedures presented in a report handover to President William Ruto on Tuesday.

The task force, led by former NCCK Secretary-General Dr Mutava Musyimi also advised revising the education curriculum to include instruction on recognising and countering sects, religious extremism, violent extremism, and cultism.

They noted the need for monitoring religious education teachers to prevent negative impacts on students.

Their recommendations follow the discovery of bodies in the Shakahola forest more than a year ago, negating the need to regulate religious activities and organisations across the country.

Additionally, the task force also recommended increasing public awareness about religious extremism.

"Civic education should be conducted through religious institutions, community-based organizations (CBOs), relevant government bodies, and the media," stated an excerpt from the report.

President Ruto established the task force in May 2023 to review the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations in Kenya.

This initiative followed the Shakahola tragedy, where many Kenyans lost their lives due to religious extremism.

The task force has also developed the Draft Religious Organizations Policy, 2024, the Draft Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, and the Draft Regulation of Organizations (General) Regulations, 2024.

The recommendations aim to protect religious freedom while mitigating potential harm.