•Nyahururu County Referral Hospital Celebrates Mortician Recognition Day 2025
March 11 marked a significant occasion at Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital (NCRH) as the institution joined the world in celebrating Mortician Recognition Day 2025, themed “The Last Responders.”
The event aimed to honor the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of mortuary attendants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide dignity to the departed and solace to grieving families.
Jennifer Wambui, the Officer in Charge of the Mortuary Department at NCRH, shed light on the vital yet often misunderstood profession.
She emphasized that being a mortician is no different from other careers, except for one key distinction—their clients are no longer alive.
Despite the misconceptions surrounding their work, Wambui reaffirmed that morticians are highly trained professionals who approach their responsibilities with ethics, compassion, and integrity.
Breaking the Stigma: Morticians as Compassionate Professionals
For years, the mortuary profession has been shrouded in myths, fear, and stigma. However, Wambui and her colleagues, Lillian Wanja and David Wachira, have made it their mission to demystify misconceptions about their line of work.
They stress that morticians are not merely caretakers of the deceased but also guides who assist bereaved families in fulfilling the last rites of their loved ones.
“Our role extends beyond preparing bodies for burial,” Wanja explained. “We provide families with the support they need during a time of unimaginable grief. When pain and suffering end, we step in to ensure that everything is handled with dignity and respect.”
Wachira added that morticians play an essential role in restoring order during moments of chaos, particularly when families arrive to collect the bodies of their loved ones.
Their ability to offer reassurance and facilitate a smooth farewell process makes them integral figures in society.
A Profession Built on Skill, Ethics, and Compassion
Far from being an unskilled job, working as a mortician or embalmer requires a rigorous academic and practical training process.
The professionals revealed that they must pursue studies in mortuary science, earning an associate degree or higher, followed by a 1–3-year apprenticeship before acquiring a professional license.
Beyond technical expertise, morticians must also develop emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and the ability to put people at ease. Their duties include:
- Preparing bodies for viewing and burial
- Planning funeral arrangements
- Providing grief support to families
It is a demanding profession that calls for a balance of scientific knowledge and human empathy, making morticians unsung heroes in times of loss.
Recognizing the Silent Sacrifices of “The Last Responders”
During the Mortician Recognition Day 2025 celebrations, NCRH paid tribute to its mortuary staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their work.
Jennifer Wambui, who led the event, underscored the importance of public appreciation for morticians, calling on society to embrace and respect their profession.
“Morticians are not just caretakers of the dead; they are pillars of support for the living,” she said.
“They ensure that every farewell is carried out with the utmost respect and dignity. It is time we acknowledge their efforts and give them the recognition they deserve.”
The event was an opportunity to highlight the critical role mortuary professionals play in upholding dignity, preserving traditions, and offering comfort during one of life’s most difficult moments.
As Nyahururu County Referral Hospital and other institutions across the country continue to celebrate the contributions of these professionals, one message remains clear: morticians are an essential part of society, providing a service that is both necessary and deeply humane.
Congratulations to all morticians at NCRH and beyond! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
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