This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Published on November 19, 2019, by Wachira Mwangi
Kenya's funeral industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled morticians and morgue attendants, with stakeholders warning of dire consequences if the issue is not addressed.
According to Ezra Olaky, chairman of the Funeral Service Association of Kenya (FSAK), the sector has grown significantly, but it suffers from a lack of skilled workers.
"We have about 250 members in our association, but we need close to 1,000 members to work in this sector," Olaky said. "It is a huge one that requires more manpower."
Olaky noted that Kenya lacks training facilities for morticians, with only Chiromo offering a three-month course for mortuary attendants. He called for partnership with FSAK to establish a syllabus for morticians and provide training facilities.
"We want to start with certificate and diploma holders," Olaky said. "There is a gap that exists and we need to close it."
He also highlighted the need for better working conditions, including well-maintained morgues with good ventilation and sufficient lighting. Olaky emphasized that morticians face many occupational hazards, including exposure to infected blood and body fluids.
"We came together to ensure that we professionalise this industry," Olaky said. "This is the 7th annual conference, and we are happy with the support and the kind of knowledge we acquire from other parts of the world."
Established in 1995, the Funeral Services Association of Kenya seeks to assist in improving the standards of service and ethics in the funeral industry.
