The high cost of burial in Kenya

THE STAR INFOGRAPHIC

In Kenya, death has become a big industry, and if death were to die today, it would go with a lot of businesses, which hundreds of households depend on to put food on the table.

The funeral industry in Kenya has in recent years grown into a booming business as individuals and companies cash in on the sector amid hefty spending by family and friends.

At a recent burial of a friend’s father in Western, you could for sure tell the family had spent millions.

From mortuary expenses in Nairobi and Kisumu, casket, transport costs (both vehicles and flights), to tents, chairs, public address, funeral programmes, the church choir in the village and catering services, where the family fed tens of hundreds of mourners, among other expenditure.

From buying gem-encrusted coffins and designer outfits to slaughtering tens of animals and spending on other foods and drinks, some families have been throwing massive feasts as a way of giving their departed loved ones a ‘befitting’ send-off.