First steps to take when someone dies

When someone dies, families often feel they must immediately begin organising the funeral.

In reality, the first steps are simpler.

The priority is to confirm the death, understand whether any medical or police process is required, and make sure the body is moved and documented correctly. The funeral arrangements can then follow in an orderly way.

1. Confirm the death

If the death occurs in hospital, the medical team will confirm it and begin the necessary documentation.

If the person dies at home after a known illness, contact the doctor or healthcare provider who had been treating them.

If the death is sudden, unexplained, accidental or suspicious, contact the police and relevant medical authorities before moving the body. A post-mortem or investigation may be required.

2. Inform the closest family members

Tell immediate relatives before making a public announcement.

Where possible, appoint one family representative to communicate with the hospital, mortuary, funeral home and other service providers. This helps prevent conflicting instructions.

3. Choose a mortuary

Once the body is cleared for movement, decide where it will be kept while funeral arrangements are made.

Ask the mortuary about:

• admission charges
• daily storage fees
• preservation or embalming
• viewing arrangements
• release requirements

Keep all receipts and paperwork together.

4. Gather important documents

Locate the deceased person’s national ID, passport or other identification.

The family representative should also keep their own identification available.

These documents may be needed during death registration, mortuary release and later administrative processes.

5. Begin death registration

The death must be formally registered.

Where the person died under medical care, the doctor or hospital will normally begin the cause-of-death documentation. Where police or investigative authorities are involved, the registration process may depend on completion of that investigation.

The family should also obtain the necessary burial or cremation permit before the final disposition.

6. Decide where the funeral will take place

Before booking vehicles or suppliers, establish:

Where will the burial or cremation take place?

This affects transport, funeral date, church arrangements, grave preparation and the overall budget.

For families transporting a loved one from Nairobi to Kisii, Nyamira, Migori or another county, distance should be discussed with the funeral provider early.

7. Choose a funeral home

Ask for a clear written quotation and understand exactly what is included.

A funeral home may assist with the casket, hearse, body preparation, flowers, pallbearers, lowering equipment, tents, programmes, photography, livestreaming and overall coordination.

You do not need to book everything at once.

8. Create a realistic budget

List the essential costs first.

Then add optional services only if the family wants and can afford them.

Avoid making financial decisions simply because relatives or neighbours expect a particular kind of funeral.

Dignity is not measured by how much a family spends.

Remember

The days after a death contain many decisions, but they do not all belong to the first day.

Start with what is necessary.

Confirm. Inform. Document. Arrange. Then plan.

Need help with what comes next?

Executive Funeral Services can guide your family through the practical steps and funeral arrangements from the mortuary to the graveside.

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