The so-called Religious Societies Rules 2015 were suggested in order to regulate churches and mosques in Kenya.
What did the rules want to do:
Require religious leaders to have theological degrees and religious groups to submit a statement of faith
All religious societies or groups to be registered and give details of a physical address as well as pastors preaching
Dictate that a certain number of attendees were Kenyan citizens
Speaking in January, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, said: "Our Constitution accords every Kenyan the right to worship and I fully support that position.
"But we will not allow thieves to use religion to steal from Kenyans."
He was referring to concerns of corruption among some church leaders, after new technology meant that Christians can send their offerings to some pastors via mobile phone, and radicalisation among some imams.
Speaking to Fides, Fr Daniel Rono, Secretary General of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, said the president's decision to withdraw the proposals was the result of constructive dialogue between the authorities and religious leaders.
He said he was aware of the concerns held by the government regarding corruption, but stressed that religious leaders wanted to adopt a process of self-regulation.
Religious figures in the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities agreed to a series of meeting to further discuss the matter and pave the way for better governance of their areas respectively.
President Kenyatta has said that he wants the outcome to show firm and fair regulations that uphold religious principles as well as the democratic freedoms given in the Kenyan constitution.
