This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
Nakuru South Cemetery Chokes in Filth ¶
Published on October 23, 2019
As one enters South Cemetery in Nakuru Town, a stark reality greets visitors - the acrid smell of human waste. The cemetery, located just 10 meters from the sprawling Manyani slum, is an epitome of poor urban planning.
The cemetery lacks basic amenities like toilets and clean water, forcing mourners to hire tents. There is no gate, and overgrown sisal plants dot the cemetery, which is quickly running out of space.
According to County Chief Officer in charge of Public Health Samuel King'ori, only half an acre is remaining before the cemetery is filled up. However, some graves are less than six feet deep, as they are recycled.
"I am horrified. It's hard to locate a grave of your loved one," said Mr John Githinji, who buried his mother at the cemetery 10 years ago.
The cemetery has become a health hazard, with livestock feeding on fresh flowers on the graves. Plastic bottles litter the ground, while those that are not blown by the wind remain trapped on broken wooden crosses on the graves.
Interestingly, the health budget allocation by Nakuru County government is getting bigger every year, with Sh6.6 billion allocated for the current financial year.
"Nakuru is a free open defecation zone, and improvement of sanitation facilities will be a useful barometer to gauge development progress. Creating wealth without health is of little consequence," said Mr Harry Mathuku.
Open defecation happens almost on a daily basis, as not a single day passes without a burial at the cemetery.
The filth at the cemetery is putting slum dwellers, and especially children, in danger of contracting diseases. Mr George Odhiambo raised the issue of flies and their role in oral faecal transmission.
"Flies can transfer faecal material to the food sold to mourners at the cemetery," he explained.
"Everyone visiting this cemetery is not safe. Nakuru County government should address the issue," said Mr Odhiambo.
Dr King'ori said the county has set aside Sh15 million for the refurbishment of cemeteries in the current financial year.
"We shall put up mobile toilets in collaboration with the locals and private investors, and in the next two months, the toilets will be ready," asserted Dr King'ori.
