Kiambu: Death has traditionally been viewed as a sensitive and emotionally heavy subject in many African societies, often leaving funeral-related businesses dominated by men. But across Kiambu County, more women are steadily finding their place in the funeral services industry.
According to Kenya News Agency, women in Kiambu are stepping into roles traditionally reserved for men, from managing coffin businesses to coordinating burials and running hearses. For many of these women, the business is not just about profit but also about survival, service, and compassion. Some entered the trade through family businesses, while others were driven by personal experiences and economic realities.
Despite the emotional burden and stigma associated with working around death, these women continue to build livelihoods while balancing motherhood and family responsibilities. Jacinta Njoki of Geona Funeral Services, a mother of 12, has been part of the industry for over 15 years, having inherited the business from her husband. She notes that one of the biggest challenges is the limited cold storage capacity at the Kiambu Hospital Mortuary, which affects their ability to accommodate more bodies and serve more families.
Njoki explains that grief often complicates pricing negotiations, making it difficult to sustain profits. Her business has shifted from manufacturing coffins internally to procuring ready-made products due to rising economic pressures. Coffins range between Sh9,000 and Sh40,000, depending on design and quality.
Elizabeth Gichane, founder of Mfariji Funeral Services, entered the industry after a painful personal experience. Following an unsuccessful political bid and the loss of a relative, she established her business to offer affordable and dignified funeral support. Gichane often finds herself doing more than selling coffins, assisting distraught families with paperwork and coordination with transport providers.
Both Njoki and Gichane highlight pricing as a major challenge, as many grieving families are financially strained. Despite these challenges, Gichane plans to remain in the business and is considering acquiring another hearse vehicle.
The funeral services industry in Kenya has grown significantly, driven by urbanization, population growth, and the rising demand for professional burial services. The Ministry of Health reports that counties have increasingly invested in mortuary expansion and regulation to address growing pressure on public funeral facilities.
The Public Health Act and county licensing regulations currently govern funeral homes, mortuaries, and body handling services in Kenya. Recent reviews of licensing fees and operational guidelines for funeral service providers aim to address complaints from small-scale operators about high permit costs and regulation challenges.
The Morticians and Allied Professionals Association of Kenya has noted a growing number of women joining mortuary science and funeral service professions. For women like Njoki and Gichane, the work remains deeply personal, as they continue to make significant strides in a challenging industry.
