Planning a funeral budget, and running a harambee

Funerals can become expensive very quickly because many costs arrive at once.

There may be mortuary fees, transport, a casket, food, tents, flowers, grave preparation, programmes, photography and other family expenses.

The first step is not fundraising.

It is knowing what the funeral will actually cost.

1. Build the budget before asking for contributions

List every expected expense and separate it into three groups.

Essential costs
These are the things the family cannot avoid, such as mortuary charges, required documentation, a casket or coffin, transport and burial arrangements.

Important but adjustable costs
These may include food, tents, chairs, flowers, programmes and sound equipment.

Optional or premium costs
These might include additional vehicles, elaborate décor, large floral displays, extensive media coverage or other extras.

This helps the family see where money is truly needed.

2. Get written quotations

Do not build the budget from guesses.

Ask funeral providers, caterers, tent suppliers and other service providers for clear quotations.

Check what is included and what will cost extra.

A quotation that looks cheaper may not include transport distance, fuel, flowers, pallbearers or other services the family still needs.

3. Decide what the family can contribute

Before launching a harambee, establish what is already available.

This may include:

• family contributions
• savings
• insurance or funeral benefits
• employer assistance
• church or welfare support
• SACCO benefits
• money already paid towards the funeral

Subtract this from the total budget.

The remaining figure becomes the amount the family genuinely needs to raise.

4. Keep the harambee target realistic

A harambee works best when people understand what they are helping to cover.

Instead of simply saying, “We need money for the funeral,” give a clear target based on the budget.

For example:

Estimated funeral cost
KSh 320,000

Family contribution
KSh 120,000

Amount to be raised
KSh 200,000

That clarity builds trust.

5. Appoint a small finance team

Choose a trusted treasurer and one or two people to help verify contributions and payments.

Keep a simple record showing:

• money received
• contributor details where appropriate
• expenses paid
• outstanding bills
• remaining balance

Do not allow several people to collect funeral money independently without a shared record.

6. Use one recognised payment channel

Where possible, use one agreed M-PESA number, paybill, bank account or other official collection method.

Make sure contributors know exactly where to send money.

If account details change, communicate the change clearly to reduce confusion or fraud.

7. Give regular updates

The family committee should know how much has been raised and what has already been paid.

Transparency does not mean publishing every private family detail.

It simply means the people responsible for the funeral can account for the money entrusted to them.

8. Do not let the harambee increase the funeral

Sometimes fundraising succeeds and the family begins adding new expenses because more money has become available.

Be careful.

The purpose of the harambee is to help the family meet the funeral budget, not to keep expanding it.

If additional money remains after legitimate funeral obligations are settled, the family should agree openly on how it will be handled.

One principle worth keeping

A funeral should honour the person who died without leaving the people they loved in financial distress.

Dignity does not require extravagance.

A clear budget, honest contributions and transparent records can help a family say goodbye well without carrying unnecessary debt afterwards.

Need help planning within a budget?

Executive Funeral Services can help your family understand the available funeral options and build a quotation around what you actually need.

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