The study, which was commissioned by the Association of Kenya Insurance, says that in contrast, communities that bury their dead within 24 hours, are estimated to spend about Sh10,000/file
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Kenyans spend between Sh50,000 to Sh300,000 in funeral expenses, according to a study by conducted by Ipsos Synovate.
The study, which was commissioned by the Association of Kenya Insurance, says that in contrast, communities that bury their dead within 24 hours, are estimated to spend about Sh10,000.
In cases where the deceased was hospitalized for a period, the funeral expenses averaged Sh400,000 to Sh2,500,000 setting back families financially.
It is against this back drop that AKI Executive Director, Tom Gichuhi has urged Kenyans to take up funeral covers whose premiums as low as Sh100 per month.
“The cover will go a long way in ensuring families are not left worse-off financially after losing a loved one,” he said.
The study showed that contributions from family and friends as well as from welfare associations are the main ways of funding funeral expenses. Other ways involve borrowing from banks, SACCOs, shylocks or other financiers.
According to Gichuhi, the main challenge facing the uptake of funeral insurance is the Kenyan culture which frowns at any talk about death or funerals.
“Culture is a good thing. However, we live in different times and the reality is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to fundraise for funerals. Through the campaign we are carrying out on funeral insurance, we aim to start conversations about how we can ease the burdens to families when it comes to funerals,” says Gichuhi
