Funeral Homes Shed Old Stigma as Modern Services Bring Dignity and Convenience to Bereaved Families

For decades, funeral homes have largely been associated with grief, fear and the painful reality of losing loved ones. However, as Kenya’s funeral services industry continues to evolve, industry players say the perception of mortuaries is gradually changing, with modern facilities now focusing on professionalism, dignity and compassionate care for bereaved families.

The shift was evident during the official opening of Umash Funeral Services’ new branch in Kabati, Murang’a County, strategically located along the busy Thika–Kenol Highway to improve access to funeral services for residents and travellers within the region.

Speaking during the launch, Umash Funeral Services Director Njoroge Njoroge said funeral service providers should no longer be viewed through the lens of fear or superstition, noting that mortuary science has grown into a recognised professional field dedicated to serving families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“The funeral services industry has become highly professional. Mortuary science is now a respected field, and our responsibility is to offer families dignified, secure and compassionate services when they need them most,” Njoroge said.

He explained that the decision to establish the Kabati branch was informed by the need to bring quality funeral services closer to families in Murang’a and neighbouring counties while improving accessibility for those travelling along the Thika–Kenol corridor.

According to the management, the facility is expected to reduce the inconvenience many families experience when they are forced to travel long distances in search of mortuary services.

Operations Manager Peter Muthui said the new branch will significantly ease the financial and logistical burden associated with transporting bodies between Nairobi and Central Kenya.

“Many families incur huge transport costs because they have to move their loved ones over long distances. By bringing these services closer to the community, we hope to ease both the financial and emotional burden they face.”

The opening ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on society’s perception of death and the role funeral homes play in supporting grieving families.

Rev. Nicholas Kahiu, an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Murang’a South, urged Kenyans to accept death as an inevitable part of life while showing compassion and support to bereaved families.

Quoting Hebrews 9:27, he reminded mourners that death is a certainty for every human being.

“It is appointed for mortals to die once. We must therefore prepare ourselves because one day you will die and one day I will die. The challenge is that many of us struggle to accept this reality or prepare for it,” Rev. Kahiu said.

He encouraged the public to view funeral homes not as places to fear but as essential institutions that provide families with the time, care and support needed to make dignified burial arrangements.

“Funeral homes play a very important role by helping families navigate one of the most difficult moments in life. They deserve to be seen as places of service, dignity and compassion.”

The newly opened Kabati branch is expected to serve residents of Murang’a County, neighbouring counties and travellers along the Thika–Kenol Highway, expanding access to professional funeral services while reflecting the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s funeral care industry.