List: What you must have before opening a church in Kenya

The registrar of societies Maria Nyariki has issued new guidelines to Kenyans seeking to open churches in the country.

The release of the new guidelines also comes at a time when the state lifted the moratorium that halted the registration of new churches.

Nyariki communicated the guidelines in a document dated July 13.

“IT IS notified for general information that the registrar of societies has issued the following guidelines in regard to registration of religious societies; documents to be submitted for registration,” Nyariki’s document read in part.

Below is a list of requirements one must have before opening a church:

1. A copy of the national identification card, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate and one passport photograph from each officer of the society.
2. Telephone numbers and Email addresses of each officer of the society.
3. A certified copy of a Certificate, a Diploma or a Degree in Theology from a recognized theological institution from at least one officer of the society.
4. Certificate of good conduct from the National Police Service from each officer of the society, pursuant to section 23 of the Societies Act.
5. A tax compliance or exemption certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority from each officer of the society, pursuant to section 23 of the Societies Act.
6. A sworn affidavit by each officer indicating whether they are registered members or officers of other religious societies and the names of such societies.
7. An introduction or recommendation letter from a registered religious society in good standing signed by any two officers of such society.
8. List of the members of the society indicating their full names, National Identification numbers and phone numbers.