Governor Mike Sonko Urges Nairobi Residents to Embrace Cremation Due to Land Scarcity

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's administration has now urged city residents to consider cremation over burying their loved ones due to scarcity of land.

In a statement, Nairobi county Health executive Hitan Majevda said  cremation will help ease pressure on the already filled up Lang'ata Cemetery.

To this effect, City Hall has announced reduced cremation fees and hiked costs of purchasing both temporary and permanent graves at the Cemetery.

"It [cremation] is economical, fast and hygienic. It is costs only Sh13,000. The land is scarce and is getting more expensive every day,” Health executive Hitan Majevda said.

"Whether final disposition is by burial or cremation, the Christian church should offer a funeral liturgy in which the reality of death is not camouflaged and the resurrection of the body is affirmed,” Majevda said.

He added:“We solemnize the departure of our loved ones by reminding ourselves that we brought nothing into this world and that we can carry nothing out. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”

Last Friday, second liberation hero Kenneth Matiba was cremated at Langata crematorium. He joined a growing list of prominent Kenyans such as Wangari Maathai, who chose the incineration route.

Nairobi county currently charges Sh13,000 for cremating adults, Sh6,000 for children and Sh4,000 for infants.

Permanent graves are sold at Sh30,500 for adults, Sh22,500 for children and Sh15,500 for infants. A temporary grave goes for Sh7,000 for an adult, Sh4,000 for a child and Sh2,000 for an infant.