Funeral arrangements · Kenya
Funeral planning and arrangements in Kenya
A clear, step-by-step guide to what happens after a death in Kenya, and how we can help your family with each step.
Step-by-step guide
What to do when someone dies in Kenya
The first hours and days after a death can feel overwhelming. Here is a clear outline of what usually happens in Kenya, and where Adios Funeral Services can help. If you are unsure about anything, call us on 0722 222 109, day or night.
1. Report the death and move your loved one to a mortuary
If the death happens in hospital, the doctor confirms it and the hospital issues a notification of death. The body is then moved to the hospital mortuary or to a mortuary chosen by the family.
If the death happens at home, report it to the nearest police station and inform the local chief or assistant chief. They will record the death and help arrange removal to a mortuary. A post-mortem may be needed if the cause of death is unclear.
2. Get the burial permit (D1)
Take the notification of death and the deceased's ID to the Civil Registration office (or the hospital's registration desk) to register the death. They will issue a burial permit. This permit is required by the mortuary, the cemetery and the crematorium, and must travel alongside the body in all transfers including burial
3. Form a funeral committee and set a burial date
Most Kenyan families form a committee to plan the programme, raise funds and agree on the date and place of burial. At this stage, call us to talk through the hearse, the coffin, wreaths, the graveside setup, eulogy and the budget.
4. Choose the coffin, flowers and hearse
Choose a coffin or casket, order wreaths and flowers, and book a hearse for the day. If the burial is at a cemetery, we coordinate with the cemetery office. For a home burial, we coordinate with the family on the grave and the graveside setup. For a formal procession, consider a limousine hearse.
5. The day of the funeral
We collect your loved one from the mortuary once the bill is cleared and the permit is checked. We then take them to the church or venue and on to the burial or cremation. Our crew sets up the lowering gear, gazebo and PA system accordingly
6. After the funeral
Apply for the death certificate through Civil Registration. You will need it for succession, bank accounts, insurance and pension claims.
Death abroad? If your loved one died outside Kenya, see our body repatriation service. We handle the documentation, liaise with the embassy and receive your loved one at JKIA. We regularly bring loved ones home from the UK, the USA, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
This guide is general information. Requirements can vary by county and circumstance. Our team will confirm what applies in your situation.
Burial permit Kenya
How to get a burial permit in Kenya
A burial permit is the document that allows a body to be buried or cremated in Kenya. The mortuary will not release your loved one without it, and it must travel with the body to the cemetery, the crematorium or the burial home.
The permit is issued when the death is registered, either at the hospital's registration desk or at the Civil Registration office. Get it as early as possible, because the mortuary, the church and the cemetery or crematorium will all ask for it.
What to bring to get the permit
- The notification of death from the hospital, or the police record if the death happened at home
- The deceased's national ID or passport
- The informant's ID (usually a close relative)
- The post-mortem report, if one was done
Requirements can differ slightly between offices. We will confirm what applies in your case.
Funeral arrangements
What we can take care of for you
Transport
Mortuary pick-up and a hearse to the church, cemetery, crematorium or home.
Coffin & flowers
A coffin to suit your budget, plus wreaths and casket sprays.
Graveside setup
Gazebo, lowering gear, carpet, church trolley and PA system.
Coordination
One point of contact for the family committee on the day.
We provide funeral planning and arrangements across Nairobi, Kiambu, Ruiru, Thika & Juja, Machakos & Athi River and Kajiado & Kitengela, and upcountry to all 47 counties.
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Our team answers the phone 24 hours a day. Tell us what has happened and where, and we will guide you through the next steps, with no obligation.