Lang’ata Cemetery, Nairobi’s largest burial ground, is facing imminent closure following a warning from the Ministry of Health about its worsening condition and overcapacity.
The facility, which has served the city for over six decades, has been declared a potential health and safety hazard due to severe overcrowding and poor maintenance.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni raised the alarm after a recent report from a select committee revealed that the cemetery had become overwhelmed, posing serious risks to public health.
The findings also highlighted the increased threat of disease, environmental pollution, and social stigma linked to the deteriorating conditions.
“The City County of Nairobi must ensure all activities at Lang’ata Cemetery comply with public health regulations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, environmental pollution, and social distress,” said PS Muthoni.
She warned that if no urgent action is taken by the Nairobi County Government, the Ministry would not hesitate to officially declare the cemetery a public health hazard.
One of the key recommendations from the Ministry is for the Nairobi County Government to reclaim a five-acre piece of land adjacent to the cemetery.
The land, believed to have been illegally occupied and currently hosting residential houses, could provide critical space for cemetery expansion.
“Nairobi City County should urgently reclaim the grabbed land next to the cemetery. We advise that all necessary documentation be acquired to secure ownership and allow for expansion,” PS Muthoni stated.
Beyond overcapacity, the cemetery has also become a hotspot for crime.
The select committee noted that in recent months, Lang’ata has increasingly been used as a dumping ground for human remains and illegal materials, further raising security concerns.
The report echoes warnings issued nearly 20 years ago about the cemetery’s limited space and its unsuitability for continued use.
Opened in 1958, Lang’ata Cemetery has since become the final resting place for more than 157,000 people, including prominent national figures.
Despite surpassing its capacity years ago, the cemetery still receives approximately 30 burials each week a figure that underscores the urgent need for intervention.
With pressure mounting, the Ministry of Health is calling for immediate and coordinated action to address the looming crisis.
Without swift reforms and expansion, Lang’ata Cemetery may soon be officially closed, leaving Nairobi in desperate need of alternative burial solutions.
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