The government has put on hold public discussions on the Draft Religious Organisations Policy, 2024, and the Draft Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, following objections from religious leaders. The initial plan had invited Kenyans to attend forums across the country between December 15 and December 19, 2025.
Clergy groups quickly raised concerns over the proposed law, claiming it threatens their independence and could limit the operations of churches and mosques. They argued that the government drafted the bill without understanding religious practices, and that it infringes on constitutional freedoms.
The forums were originally scheduled in counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Garissa, Eldoret, Isiolo, Machakos, Embu, Kilifi, Kakamega, and Nyeri. However, public participation has now been postponed indefinitely, with no new dates provided by the government.
Religious leaders criticized the bill as an overreach, insisting that faith institutions should continue to self-regulate without state interference. One preacher said the law was drafted by people “who do not understand God,” stressing that the church had played a key role in the current administration’s rise to power.
The bill aims to create a regulatory framework to curb extremism and enhance accountability in faith-based organisations. It proposes the establishment of the Religious Affairs Commission and the Office of the Registrar of Religious Organisations to oversee the management of churches and mosques.