How do you bring a loved one home from Kenya?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in Kenya?

Contact emergency services (999 or 112). If death occurs outside hospital, police must attend. The police arrange removal to a mortuary. Contact the British High Commission in Nairobi.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from Kenya take?

In most cases, repatriation from Kenya takes 14-28 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 6-12 weeks or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• Safari/remote area death requires internal transport to Nairobi
• Police investigation and clearance can be slow
• Death certificate processing varies by district
• Port Health clearance adds a step
• Kenyan public holidays and weekend closures
• Election periods can disrupt government services
• Wildlife-related deaths may involve Kenya Wildlife Service investigation
• Coastal deaths (Mombasa, Diani) route through Nairobi

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from Kenya?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• Kenyan death certificate
• Embalming certificate
• Freedom from infection certificate from Port Health
• Passport of deceased (or copy)
• Police report/clearance
• Burial permit (required even for repatriation)
• Airline cargo documentation

Documentation typically takes 7-21 days to complete.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in Kenya do when someone dies?

The British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from Kenya instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in Kenya. Transporting ashes to the UK requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Documents needed to transport ashes

• Death certificate
• Cremation certificate
• Port Health clearance

Generally yes, with documentation. Notify airline in advance.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from Kenya?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.

More questions

Other frequently asked questions about repatriation from Kenya