Bungoma residents laud new morgue as relief to congestion

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Bungoma residents have welcomed the establishment of the newly launched Delights Funeral Home, saying the facility will ease congestion at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary while creating much-needed employment opportunities for locals.

Speaking to TV47 Digital in Bungoma on Sunday, resident Fred Nyongesa expressed optimism that the new mortuary would bring dignity and order to how the deceased are handled in the county.

“This facility will go a long way in solving the long-standing problem at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital farewell home,” Nyongesa said.

He added, “For a long time, families have struggled due to congestion and delays. With Delights Mortuary now operational, our departed loved ones will finally be accorded a decent and respectful send-off.”

Nyongesa noted that the mortuary comes at a critical time when the county’s main public facility has been overstretched, adding that private sector investment in such essential services should be encouraged.

His sentiments were echoed by another resident, Catherine Nafula, who lauded the facility’s management not only for improving services but also for providing job opportunities to the local community.

“This mortuary is already creating employment for our youth. Some are already working there,” she noted.

She added, “Beyond jobs, it gives families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are handled with dignity. Bungoma is growing, and such facilities are necessary if we are to move forward.”

Nafula affirmed that facilities such as Delights Funeral Home align with the vision of transforming Bungoma into a city, as envisioned by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, saying modern infrastructure and essential services are key pillars of urban growth.

Residents called for more partnerships between the county government and private investors to address service gaps and support Bungoma’s journey toward city status.

Harrison Muchiri, a director at Delights Funeral Home, said the facility is guided by the theme “Dignity with Distinction,” noting that the mortuary goes beyond body preservation to support grieving families emotionally.

“Our goal is to offer professional, humane, and respectful services,” Muchiri said. “We want families to feel comforted during difficult moments. Every person entrusted to us will be handled with the highest standards of care and respect.”

Muchiri added that the modern facility has a capacity of 50 bodies—significantly higher than the current capacity at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary—and is equipped to meet growing demand as the town expands.

The Senate Committee on Health, during a tour of Bungoma County, raised concerns over severe congestion at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary.

The committee, chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, revealed that the county morgue is currently holding about 50 bodies despite being designed for only 20.

“This is totally unacceptable,” Mandago said. “A mortuary meant for 20 bodies is currently accommodating more than double its capacity. This raises serious questions about management, planning, and the well-being of Bungoma residents.”