State looking for alternative cemetery after Lang’ata declared almost full

The government has announced plans to secure a new burial site in Nairobi, following concerns over the long-overstretched capacity of Lang’ata Cemetery, which was declared nearly full almost 20 years ago.

This was revealed on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Implementation.

PS Muthoni noted that Lang’ata Cemetery now poses serious public health risks, citing overcrowding, the presence of shallow graves, and the exposure of human remains—attributed in part to disturbances caused by wild animals.

"The continued use of Lang’ata Cemetery, despite its declared full status nearly two decades ago, has escalated into a significant health concern," said Muthoni.

"Issues such as overcrowding, inadequate grave depth, and exposure of remains due to interference by wildlife highlight the urgency of the matter."

She added that the Ministry of Health, through her department, presented an evaluation report to the committee outlining these dangers and recommending immediate corrective actions.

Muthoni stated that the ministry is working in partnership with the Nairobi City County Government and other relevant stakeholders to identify a new, appropriate location for burials—one that ensures respect and dignity for the deceased.

Nairobi currently has nine public cemeteries, which include Lang’ata, Forest Road, Pangani, Mutuini, Uthiru, Southlands, Kariokor Christian, Ruai, and a parcel of land adjacent to the National Police Service grounds.

At Lang’ata Cemetery, two burial options are available: permanent and temporary graves.

Permanent graves are designated for a single body and come at a higher cost, while temporary graves may be reused for multiple burials over time and are priced more affordably.