A task force appointed to review laws governing churches has recommended that all religious institutions undergo fresh registration.
The fresh registration is part of strict vetting procedures presented in a report handed over to President William Ruto by the former MP and NCCK Secretary-General Dr Mutava Musyimi. The 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.
The report advised revising the education curriculum to include instruction on recognising and countering sects, religious extremism, violent extremism, and cultism. The report calls for monitoring religious education teachers to prevent negative impacts on students.
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.