Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga has urged both levels of Government to do more in addressing the welfare of Kenyans working in funeral homes.
Addressing the 5th annual Morticians and Allied Professionals Association of Kenya (MAPAKe) conference in Nyeri yesterday, Dr Kahiga said morticians operate under some of the most traumatizing environments and as such need constant care and attention in terms of both psychosocial and welfare support systems.
Drawing from this year’s theme, “Honoring the Dead, Healing the Living,” the County boss said the selfless service done by morgue attendants can never be underestimated and termed their role as a call that sits at the intersection of extreme human vulnerability and deep professional duty.
He also thanked the organizers of the event for dedicating the first day of the three-day conference in addressing mental health and wellbeing of the members.
“As we officially open the scientific and professional sessions today, we look forward to the deliberations ahead. Elevating professional standards through rigorous continuous professional development, clear ethical frameworks, and seamless interoperability between funeral homes, hospitals, and government agencies is vital,” he told the attendees.
“Morticians carry out the profound duty of preserving the sanctity of those who have passed while anchoring grieving families in their most vulnerable moments.”
This is not the first time Nyeri County is hosting a scientific conference for medical practitioners.
Last year, Nyeri County hosted the 3rd annual Mount Kenya Regional Scientific Conference for Clinical Officers.
And in 2023 Kagumo Teachers Training College played host to the 65th National Nurses Association of Kenya(NNAK) which brought together more than 2,000 nurses from the 47 counties.
Kahiga has also lauded the collaboration between health players from both levels of the Government for partnering to give morticians a platform where they can air their views on how to improve the profession.
He stressed the need for county governments to continue pushing for better working conditions for those working in funeral parlours including providing a conducive environment from where to operate from.
Kahiga noted that for far too long the society had overlooked the critical role played by morticians but a time had come when such notions need to be discarded.
“As county governments, we must continue to ensure that our health facilities provide safe working environments, adequate mental health support structures, and the necessary tools for you to carry out your mandate safely and sustainably. Today, we stand together to affirm that your work is not merely a service; it is a vital pillar of our healthcare system and a profound act of service to humanity,” he stated.
“Death-care work carries an undeniable emotional weight. Facing secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout on the mortuary floor is a reality that can no longer be suffered in silence. By prioritizing “Healing the Living,” you are recognizing a fundamental truth: we cannot expect you to care for grieving families and preserve the dignity of our departed if we do not care for you.”
Dr Kahiga said Nyeri has so far employed a total of 15 morticians who are serving at the County’s four public facilities.
Eleven of these health workers have already received specialized training sponsored by the County Government.
He also called for integration of proper training standards under the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Health Profession Oversight Authority (KHPOA) to ensure mortuary practice in the country align with global best practices.
When MAPAKe paid a courtesy visit in Nyeri in May this year, Dr Kahiga pledged to support the work of morticians and said he would ensure this year’s event provide an ideal platform to help demystify the perceived stigma associated with this ancient profession.
In addition, he also welcomed a proposal by MAPAKe to establish a training center complete with hostels and a modern farewell Home in Nyeri in coming days.
“My administration is very committed to supporting the conference and the association. This year’s gathering will focus on innovation, ethics, and sustainability in death care practices, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modern science. Some of the objectives of the conference will include knowledge sharing, professional development, networking and ethical dialogue,” added Kahiga.
In November 2019, the Funeral Service Association of Kenya(FSAK) had reported a severe shortage of morticians and morgue attendants in the country which it termed as an impediment to its operations.
The Association chair, Ezra Olaky, said most of the morgue attendants were unqualified casuals and not enough for the growing sector.
He said Kenya lacked training facilities for morticians apart from Chiromo Campus, which has a three-month course for mortuary attendants.
“We have about 250 members in our association but there is still a severe shortage. We need close to 1,000 members to work in this sector. It is a huge one that requires more manpower,” he said.
“Funeral homes just want somebody who has worked in a mortuary, they have not pegged any minimum requirement or qualification. But we want to start with certificate and diploma holders. There is a gap that exists and we need to close it,” said Mr Olaky.
by Samuel Maina
