Lang’ata Cemetery, located 7 km west of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Lang’ata Road, is one of Kenya’s largest and most well-known public cemeteries, managed by the Nairobi County Government. Spanning 120 acres, this cemetery serves as a final resting place for thousands and continues to play a crucial role for Nairobi residents, especially those with limited means or without rural burial options.
Challenges Facing Lang’ata Cemetery
Lang’ata Cemetery has faced significant capacity challenges; it was declared full nearly 20 years ago. As available land for new burials has become increasingly scarce, some families are forced to layer graves on top of one another. Plans by the Nairobi County Government to expand or relocate the cemetery to a larger plot have stalled repeatedly, leaving the cemetery operating beyond its intended capacity.
Embracing Cremation: Costs and Options
In response to these capacity issues, the Nairobi County Government has been encouraging families to consider cremation as an alternative. Lang’ata Cemetery offers cremation services at competitive rates to make it more accessible:
- Adults: Ksh 16,500
- Children: Ksh 12,000
Cremation, conducted in a designated furnace, provides a practical solution to the space challenges. It is an increasingly accepted practice among families seeking an economical and efficient burial option, especially within Nairobi’s urban setting.
Grave Charges at Lang’ata Cemetery
Lang’ata Cemetery offers two types of graves: Permanent Graves and Temporary Graves, each with different costs and specifications to accommodate diverse needs.
1. Permanent Graves
Permanent graves come with a 99-year lease period, allowing families to bury loved ones with the option of adding other family members in the same plot if needed. The pricing structure reflects the deceased’s residency status and nationality:
- Adult (within Nairobi County): Ksh 30,500
- Adult (outside Nairobi County): Ksh 40,000
- Non-citizens: Ksh 50,000
- Children: Ksh 4,000
- Infants: Ksh 2,000
2. Temporary Graves
Temporary graves, which are typically four feet deep, may be reused after a period of 10 to 15 years, making them a more economical and sustainable choice for families with limited budgets.
- Adults: Ksh 7,000 (irrespective of residence)
- Children: Ksh 4,000
How to Make Payment at Lang’ata Cemetery
For payment and burial arrangements, families should visit the cemetery funeral superintendent’s office at City Mortuary on Ngong Road. The office provides information on available plots, payment options, and necessary documentation for burial or cremation.
Lang’ata Cemetery remains a significant cultural and functional landmark within Nairobi, offering services that cater to both traditional burials and more modern alternatives like cremation. Despite its space constraints, the cemetery continues to serve a diverse urban population by adapting its services and pricing to meet the community’s evolving needs.
As Nairobi grows, the county government may need to explore additional locations or enhanced cremation facilities to sustainably manage the city’s burial requirements in the future.
