Churches in Nyeri have started warming up for reopening of communal worship next week after the government’s announcement during the state of the nation address by the President last Monday.
On March 22, immediate closure of churches was announced among a raft of other measures by the government in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 after the confirmed cases more than tripled from 7 to 25.
Following the directive, many churches resorted to online services to keep their flock spiritually nourished.
Many pastors in the area have applauded the move and committed to observe the directives issued including limiting church gatherings to a maximum of 100 participants.
Bishop William Githinji of Victors Chapel in Karatina Town said though the number of worshippers allowed in every service may be little as well as the one-hour duration, it was better than nothing.
“We appreciate the move and we will gladly make do with what has been given to us and stagger our services throughout the day if necessary to accommodate more members,” said the Bishop.
He said all the necessary arrangements had been put in place in his church including provision of water for hand washing and changing of sitting arrangement to minimize the number of congregants as well as maintaining the required social distance.
Bishop Githinji called on the council overseeing formulation of protocols for church opening led by Archbishop Anthony Muheria to consider reviewing the rules to allow churches with bigger sitting capacity accommodate more congregants.
“Given the membership of our church, we may be forced to hold up to seven services in a day which may be strenuous,” said the Bishop.
