Govt invites public views on bill seeking to regulate religious organisations, combat extremism
The government has called on Kenyans to submit their views on the draft of the Religious Organisations Bill 2024, which aims to regulate religious bodies across the country.
In a notice by the State Department for National Government Co-ordination on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the government explained that the drafts are part of recommendations by the Presidential Taskforce on the Review of the Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organisations in Kenya, which was constituted in May 2023.
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“The overall objective of these instruments is to provide a framework for the regulation of religious organisations; to combat religious extremism and the abuse of the freedom of religion and connected purposes,” the notice read in part.
The Taskforce presented its report to President William Ruto on July 30, 2024, recommending the new policy and bill.
Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, stated that the government is seeking broad input before finalising the proposals.
“The State Department for National Government Co-ordination hereby invites the public and all persons likely to be affected by the provisions of the documents above to submit written memoranda on them,” the statement reads.
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The deadline for submissions is October 22, 2025, and the memoranda should be sent via email to or submitted in hard copy to the Office of the Principal Secretary at Kenya Railways Headquarters in Nairobi.
The government stressed that the participation of citizens will be crucial in shaping how religious organisations are governed.
“These should reach the undersigned… using the template provided on the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary website,” the notice noted.
Public forums to gather views will also be communicated in due time to give citizens further opportunities to contribute to the debate.
The proposed law comes amid concerns about religious extremism, financial accountability, and the misuse of faith institutions that have dominated national discussions. Policymakers argue that stronger regulation is required to balance freedom of worship with public safety from rogue practices.
“The government intends to combat religious extremism and safeguard the freedom of religion while ensuring accountability and transparency within Kenya’s diverse religious landscape,” the notice read.
