How to Start a Funeral Services Business in Kenya.

When I first heard about investing in the funeral industry, I thought it was a bit unsettling. But then I looked at the numbers—and they told a different story. The funeral business is a multi-billion-shilling industry, and a few savvy entrepreneurs are already cashing in. It may be a somber business, but it’s essential, and demand will never run out.

The Billion-Shilling Industry Few Talk About

Kenyans spend at least Ksh.50 billion annually on funerals, with Western Kenya and Nyanza leading in elaborate send-offs. And that’s just an estimate—the actual figure is likely much higher.

A personal experience opened my eyes to how much money goes into funerals. A cousin of mine needed Ksh.200,000 for surgery, and despite multiple pleas in the family WhatsApp group, we only managed to raise Ksh.99,000 in a week. People said they were struggling financially.

Then he passed away. Within two days, the same WhatsApp group had raised Ksh.455,000 for his funeral. Suddenly, money wasn’t an issue. When I asked why, someone replied, “We must give him a respectful send-off.” That money went into branded T-shirts, food, alcohol, tents, and music systems.

That’s when I realized two industries in Kenya will always have demand: healthcare (hospitals, pharmacies, clinics) and the funeral business (morgues, transportation, tents, and catering).

If you’re an entrepreneur, here are four profitable ways to invest in the funeral industry in Kenya.

1. Starting a Morgue (Funeral Home)

A morgue provides body preservation services as families finalize burial plans. Many existing morgues charge Ksh.4,000 for admission and Ksh.1,500 per day for storage—sometimes more, depending on location and services.

What You Need to Start a Funeral Home:

• Business registration: Register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company under the Business Registration Service (BRS).
• Licenses:
  • A county business permit.
  • A license from the Public Health Department (to meet health and safety standards).
  • Approval from NEMA (if offering cremation services).
• A suitable location: It should be accessible, have ample parking, and be near hospitals, cemeteries, or residential areas with high demand.
• Essential equipment: Refrigeration units, embalming machines, and viewing rooms.
• Qualified staff: Morticians, embalmers, and funeral directors who can handle grieving families professionally.

2. The Hearse (Body Transport) Business

Transporting bodies from morgues to burial sites is a necessity. Families will always need a reliable and dignified way to move their loved ones. If your target is Western Kenya, affordability is key. If it’s Nyanza, premium services work better.

Ways to get started:

• Buy a hearse (new or used) and rent it out.
• Partner with funeral homes that need transportation services.
• Offer package deals that include hearse services, body preparation, and caskets.

A single hearse trip can cost anywhere from Ksh.10,000 to Ksh.100,000, depending on the distance and level of service provided.

3. Hiring Out Tents & Chairs

Funerals in Kenya, especially in rural areas, attract large gatherings. Families often hire tents, chairs, and PA systems to accommodate mourners. White tents are the most preferred.

How to get started:

• Invest in quality tents and chairs that can withstand different weather conditions.
• Market your services to funeral homes, churches, and event planners.
• Offer package deals (e.g., tents + catering + PA system at a discount).

Depending on location and demand, renting out tents and chairs can earn you anywhere from Ksh.5,000 to Ksh.100,000 per event.

4. Funeral Catering Services

People attend funerals to mourn, but let’s be honest—food is a big part of the event. Families often hire caterers to handle large-scale cooking for mourners.

Opportunities in this space include:

• Supplying bulk food items (rice, flour, meat, vegetables) to caterers.
• Providing professional funeral catering services.
• Partnering with tent rental businesses to offer all-in-one funeral event planning.

A well-run catering business can generate Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.300,000 per funeral, depending on the number of attendees and menu offered.

Keys to Success in the Funeral Business

If you want to thrive in this industry, focus on these three factors:

1. Cleanliness & Professionalism

If you’re running a funeral home, hygiene is non-negotiable. Your facility should be spotless, welcoming, and provide comfort to grieving families.

2. Trust & Reputation

People need to trust you with their loved ones’ final journey. Whether you’re running a morgue, hearse service, or catering business, integrity is everything.

3. Timeliness & Efficiency

Funeral arrangements are time-sensitive. If you promise to deliver services at a specific time, don’t keep mourners waiting. Delays cause unnecessary stress for grieving families, and in this industry, word-of-mouth is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The funeral services industry in Kenya is a growing, recession-proof business. Funerals can cost anywhere between Ksh.60,000 to Ksh.500,000, making this a potentially lucrative venture for those willing to provide professional and dignified services.

While it may not be the first business idea that comes to mind, it’s one of the most stable industries—and one that, if done right, can be both financially rewarding and meaningful. Whether you invest in a funeral home, hearse services, tent rentals, or catering, there’s always a market.

As urbanization and changing lifestyles continue, more Kenyans are embracing professional funeral services. The question is—will you be one of the entrepreneurs who see the opportunity in the “business of the dead” and turn it into a profitable, yet compassionate enterprise?

Managing Your Funeral Services Business with Pesabook

Running a funeral services business comes with many responsibilities, from handling payments to managing logistics. Pesabook simplifies operations, making it easier to track finances, manage staff, and improve customer service.

Here’s how Pesabook can help:

Track Income and Expenses

Easily record payments from funeral packages, transportation, tent rentals, and catering services while tracking expenses such as permits, staff wages, and supplies.

Automated Staff Payments

If you work with funeral service providers on commission (e.g., hearse drivers, caterers, or morticians), Pesabook automates payments, ensuring accuracy and reducing manual calculations.

Customer Management

Build a database of clients and keep track of their service preferences. Pesabook helps you offer personalized support and maintain strong client relationships during difficult times.

Bulk SMS Updates

Keep families informed about funeral arrangements, schedules, or any service updates using Pesabook’s bulk SMS feature. This enhances communication and improves customer experience.

Real-Time Financial Reports

Generate daily, weekly, or monthly financial reports to monitor business performance. Identify cost-saving opportunities and areas to increase revenue.

Accessible Anywhere

Manage your funeral business on the go with Pesabook’s mobile-friendly platform. Stay in control, whether you’re at the office, a funeral home, or in the field.

Why Choose Pesabook?

Pesabook is simple, affordable, and designed for small businesses. It streamlines operations so you can focus on delivering dignified funeral services.

Visit Pesabook.com to sign up and take your funeral services business to the next level.