How to get a burial permit in Kenya

Before a burial or cremation can take place in Kenya, the death must first be properly reported and the required burial permit issued.

The burial permit is not the same thing as a death certificate. It is the document that legally authorises the burial, cremation or other disposal of the body. Kenya's Births and Deaths Registration Act provides that no body whose death must be registered should be buried or cremated without one. Kenya Law

1. Start with confirmation of the death

If the person died in hospital or while under medical care, the attending medical practitioner normally prepares the medical documentation confirming the cause of death.

That medical information forms part of the process used by the registrar to issue the burial permit.

2. Register the death

The death must be reported to the registrar responsible for the area where it occurred.

When the registrar receives the required medical certificate, medical notice or authorised death report, the registrar can issue the written permit allowing the body to be buried or otherwise disposed of.

3. What if the death was sudden or unexplained?

The process may take longer if the death was:

• sudden
• accidental
• violent
• suspicious
• unexplained

In such cases, police, a magistrate or other authorised officials may need to make inquiries before the registrar can issue the permit.

Do not rush to move or bury the body before the required investigation has been completed.

4. Keep the burial permit safely

Once issued, keep the original document with the other funeral paperwork.

You may need it when:

• arranging release of the body
• confirming burial arrangements
• applying later for the death certificate

The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services currently lists the burial permit as one of the documents used when applying for a death certificate for a current death.

Burial permit versus death certificate

Families often confuse the two.

Burial permit
Authorises the burial, cremation or other lawful disposal of the body.

Death certificate
Is the official civil record confirming that the person has died.

The funeral can therefore involve the burial permit first, while the formal death certificate may be obtained separately afterwards.

One practical tip

Before leaving the hospital, mortuary or registration office, confirm that the deceased person's names, identification details and date of death are correct.

A small error can create unnecessary difficulty later when the family is dealing with banks, insurance, succession or other official matters.

Need help with what comes next?

Executive Funeral Services can guide your family through the practical funeral arrangements, from mortuary coordination and transport to the final farewell.

📞 0798 994 015, available 24/7
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💜 Dignity in death. Compassion in grief. Hope beyond the grave.