Kisumu County has announced a ban on home burials in estates within the city’s jurisdiction as part of its urban planning efforts. The directive, which affects seven wards, is aimed at ensuring proper land use and accommodating the city’s rapid growth.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga affirmed that the ban is already in force and applies to residents in Migosi, Nyalenda, Kondele, Kaloleni, Shauri Moyo, Railways, Market Milimani, Manyatta B, and Mamboleo. According to Wanga, these areas will no longer permit the burial of loved ones within residential properties.
Instead, the county has designated Mamboleo cemetery, the Muslim cemetery, and the Hindu crematorium as the official locations for body disposal. Wanga emphasized that any violation of this directive could result in prosecution in a court of law.
“The city is growing, and most of these parcels are becoming commercial properties. It is important that we enforce proper urban planning to accommodate development,” Wanga stated on Saturday.
The city government will continue to sensitize residents on the new regulations to ensure compliance. Wanga pointed to a March 2021 circular that initially proposed changes to burial customs to align with urban expansion plans. The directive is seen as a long-term strategy to prevent congestion in residential areas and maintain public health and sanitation standards.
For years, home burials have been a cultural norm for many residents, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas. However, with Kisumu’s increasing population and expansion, the city authorities argue that maintaining this practice in urban spaces is no longer sustainable.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Some welcome the move, citing the need for modernization and proper planning, while others feel that it disrupts cultural traditions and may impose additional financial burdens on grieving families.
Kisumu joins other major cities in Kenya that have enforced similar regulations to streamline urban planning and land use. The county government has assured residents that the designated cemeteries and crematorium will be well-maintained and accessible to the public.
As the city continues to evolve, authorities are urging residents to embrace the new regulations and cooperate with urban planning efforts to create a more organized and sustainable living environment.
