Checklist: Eight things you must have before opening a church in Kenya

Registrar of Companies 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 a moratorium that halted the registration of new churches.
Nyariki communicated the guidelines in a document dated July 13.
“IT IS hereby notified for general information that the Registrar of Societies has issued the following guidelines regarding the registration of religious societies; documents to be submitted for registration,” Nyariki’s document reads in part.
Below is a list of requirements that must be met before opening a church:
- A copy of the national ID card, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate and photo ID of each officer of the company.
- Phone numbers and email addresses for each officer of the company.
- A certified copy of a certificate, diploma or degree in theology from a recognized theological institution of at least one officer of the society.
- Certificate of good conduct from the National Police Service of each officer of the company, in accordance with Article 23 of the Companies Act.
- A tax compliance or tax exemption certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority of each officer of the company as per Section 23 of the Companies Act.
- A sworn affidavit from each leader stating whether they are a registered member or leader of other religious societies and the name of those societies.
- A letter of introduction or recommendation from a religious society registered in good standing signed by two officers of that society.
- List of members of the society indicating their names, first names, national identification numbers and telephone numbers.