Once seen as an overlooked or even taboo profession, mortuary science is now drawing increased interest among students in Kenya. Introduced at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in 2023, the course covers the study of human remains, embalming, and funeral service management.
As more medical students recognize its job security and financial prospects, enrollment in the program continues to rise according to reports by the healthcare training institution.
KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch revealed that the institution received 250 applications for its mortuary science program this year, far exceeding its capacity of 50 slots. This sharp rise in interest underscores the growing demand for the course, now seen as a viable and lucrative career path.
“We have since expanded to accommodate more students, and today, the number of applicants runs into hundreds,”Oluoch stated while addressing stakeholders at a public forum.
Factors influencing its sudden popularity
1. Job Security in a Growing Industry
The demand for trained morticians, embalmers, and funeral directors has increased due to Kenya’s expanding funeral industry. Unlike other medical-related fields that may experience job market fluctuations, mortuary science offers more stable employment opportunities.
According to the KMTC boss, many individuals looking to enter the mortuary business find the institution’s program more beneficial than other related courses. Its practical skills and specialized training give graduates a competitive edge in the funeral services industry.
2. Better Pay and Career Growth
Many students are turning to mortuary science due to its stable job market and lucrative earning potential. The field offers diverse career paths, including roles in government institutions, private funeral homes, and self-employment opportunities.
According to the KMTC boss, most applicants for mortuary courses are sponsored by health facilities or private institutions already offering mortuary services and seeking to strengthen their technical capacity.
“These organizations are looking to enhance their expertise in the field. Additionally, individuals interested in starting their own mortuary businesses find our program highly beneficial,” he stated.
3. Changing Cultural Perceptions
In the past, working in the mortuary industry was almost considered a taboo, and was associated with stigma and superstitions. However, the rise of modern education and increased exposure have helped change perceptions, making it a more acceptable and respected profession.
4. Increased Education and Training Opportunities
More universities and technical institutions in Kenya are now offering specialized training in mortuary science. Programmes offer training in anatomy, pathology, embalming techniques, and funeral service management, making it easier for students to gain professional qualifications.
Previously mortuary attendants in Kenya typically learned through informal, on-the-job training in private funeral parlors. However, a study by senior lecturers at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and pathologists from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) exposed critical gaps in their training and expertise.
This prompted KMTC to introduce a structured mortuary science course, making professional training more accessible to aspiring morticians.
5.Government and Institutional Support
The growing demand for skilled mortuary professionals has been recognized by both the Kenyan government and private funeral service providers. In response, KMTC has announced plans to expand its mortuary science training to multiple campuses, moving beyond its initial exclusivity to the Nairobi Campus.
This expansion highlights the increasing importance of formal training in the industry and serves as a direct response to the rising need for qualified professionals in the mortuary sector.
The rising demand for mortuary science at KMTC marks a significant shift in Kenya’s funeral industry. Through structured training, KMTC is bridging the skills gap, ensuring a new generation of qualified morticians to enhance mortuary services across the country.
