As Nairobi continues to expand, county leaders are beginning to confront a question few cities like to discuss: how should the capital provide dignified funeral services for a growing urban population while protecting the environment and respecting cultural diversity?
That debate has now reached the floor of the Nairobi County Assembly, where Karura MCA Kamau Thuo FiuniFiu has tabled a motion calling for the establishment of a public green crematorium at Murumbi Peace Memorial Park.
“Now therefore this assembly urges the Nairobi city county executive to Undertake a feasibility study on the establishment of a public Green crematorium Adjacent to the Murumbi Peace Crematorium Park at City Park Goan Cemetery,” Thuo said.
Rather than seeking immediate construction, the motion asks the Nairobi City County Executive to first undertake a comprehensive feasibility study, conduct public participation, explore public-private partnerships (PPPs), and develop a policy framework that would guide the project’s implementation.
If adopted, the County Executive would be required to report back to the Assembly within 90 days with findings on the project’s feasibility, partnership options, implementation roadmap and budget implications.
More than a Crematorium
The proposal is about more than building a new public facility, It raises wider questions about how Nairobi plans for essential public services as its population continues to rise.
Like many rapidly growing cities, Nairobi faces increasing pressure on land use. Public cemeteries are becoming more constrained while the cost of acquiring land for burial continues to increase. At the same time, funeral expenses remain a significant burden for many families.
The motion argues that the county should begin planning now for alternative funeral services that are accessible, affordable and capable of meeting future demand.
What is a Green Crematorium?
Unlike conventional cremation facilities, a green crematorium is designed to reduce its environmental impact through cleaner technologies, improved energy efficiency and stricter emissions controls.
The proposal also emphasises affordability, suggesting that a publicly supported facility could provide residents with a wider choice of funeral services while maintaining high standards of environmental protection and public health.
It reflects a growing conversation among cities worldwide about balancing urban development with sustainable public infrastructure.
Culture and faith remain central
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the motion is its recognition that funeral practices extend beyond public policy.
Cremation remains a sensitive issue for many communities, with religious beliefs and cultural traditions playing a central role in how families honour their loved ones.
For that reason, MCA Thuo’s proposal calls for extensive public participation involving religious organisations, cultural groups, residents and other stakeholders before any decisions are made.
Such consultations would help determine whether there is sufficient public support and how the county can accommodate different beliefs while expanding funeral service options.
Looking at partnerships
The motion also encourages the County Executive to consider Public-Private Partnerships and other strategic collaborations to finance, construct, operate and maintain the proposed facility.
Supporters argue that such partnerships could reduce the financial burden on the county while allowing it to benefit from technical expertise and modern technology.
However, any partnership model would still require clear policies to safeguard affordability, accountability and public interest.
What happens next?
The proposal should not be mistaken for final approval of a crematorium.
Instead, it marks the beginning of a planning process. If the motion is adopted, the County Executive will first assess whether the project is technically feasible, financially viable and socially acceptable before any further steps are taken.
The Assembly’s request for a report within 90 days is intended to provide members with evidence on the costs, benefits and practical considerations involved.
Why this matters
County governments are responsible for many public services that often receive little attention until they are needed, including cemeteries, mortuaries and public health facilities.
As Kenya’s urban centres continue to grow, counties will increasingly be required to rethink how they provide these services in ways that are affordable, environmentally responsible and respectful of diverse cultural traditions.
MCA Thuo’s motion is therefore not only about cremation. It reflects a broader conversation about how Nairobi should prepare for the future, ensuring that essential public services keep pace with the demands of a modern city while respecting the values of its residents.
Also Read: https://countypulsenews.co.ke/2026/08/07/why-nairobis-markets-are-under-assembly-scrutiny/
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