The newly constructed Funeral Home at Kitui County Referral Hospital has been officially handed over by the contractor to the hospital management, marking a major milestone in modernizing mortuary services in the county.
Chief Officer for Public Health, Lynn Kitwan, confirmed that the facility is fitted with two state-of-the-art cold rooms, each with a capacity of 32 bodies, bringing the total to 64. The coolers operate at temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and use a monoblock system, which is more durable and requires less maintenance than the old cooling system. Each body will now rest in its own compartment, greatly improving hygiene and dignity.
Mortician Francis Muigai, who will oversee daily operations, noted that the inclusion of a hydronic lift will improve handling. “The lift allows us to safely place bodies onto trays without strain, ensuring professional and respectful service,” he said.
The new mortuary is a major step up from the old one, which was built with 12 chambers for 24 bodies but was often overstretched to hold up to 80. The old facility relied on exposed drawers and a basic cooling system, which compromised hygiene and required frequent repairs.
County Biomedical Engineer, Rama Ikuthu Mulewa, said the design represents a very big improvement. “Hygiene has been well improved with a proper drainage system, spacious rooms, and a more decent layout compared to the exposed drawers of the old mortuary,” Mulewa explained.
The new funeral home also includes a chapel, waiting and viewing areas, embalming and autopsy rooms, and will serve families in a more dignified setting. Landscaping, perimeter walls with flowers, proper signage, a modern waiting bay, and latrines will be completed in the current financial year.
Last financial year, Ksh 13 million was spent on a 24-body cooler and small equipment, while the ongoing phase covers Cold Room Two and other fittings. The project, once stalled, was revived under the former regime and is now nearing full functionality.
Kitwan noted that Cold Room One will begin operations in one month, even as the old mortuary continues to operate. Last year, 25 unclaimed bodies were disposed of due to limited capacity.
Hospital officials said the facility will be run as a department of Kitui Referral Hospital, with a commissioning ceremony expected once all equipping and landscaping works are complete.
