Health Sciences

Certificate in Mortuary Science

The Certificate in Mortuary Science is a KNEC and TVET-CDACC examined programme that trains individuals in mortuary operations, body preservation, and funeral service management. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Trainees develop competencies in body reception, preservation techniques, embalming, mortuary hygiene, body storage management, and funeral service support. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with practical training in mortuary facilities.

Kenya's funeral service industry is professionalising, with growing demand for trained mortuary personnel in hospitals, funeral homes, and county government mortuaries. The programme supports the modernisation of funeral services and adherence to public health standards.

The course is delivered through classroom sessions and supervised practical training in mortuary facilities. Trainees gain hands-on experience in body handling, preservation, and mortuary operations under professional supervision.

Graduates can work as mortuary technicians, funeral service assistants, or mortuary attendants in hospitals, funeral homes, and county government facilities. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Mortuary Science.

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) who can handle the sensitive nature of mortuary work. It provides specialised skills for employment in Kenya's funeral service sector.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 82,200
Private, up to: Ksh 126,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Certificate

What you study

8 subjects

Mortuary Operations
Body Preservation
Embalming Techniques
Mortuary Hygiene
Body Storage Management
Funeral Service Support
Infection Control
Grief Support

Modules

8 in the programme

Introduction to Mortuary Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces the history, ethics, and scope of mortuary science including the role of mortuary professionals in society.
Human Anatomy Basics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers basic human anatomy including body systems, organs, and structures relevant to mortuary practice.
Body Preservation and Embalming
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Trainees learn preservation techniques, embalming procedures, chemical usage, and restorative art for the deceased.
Mortuary Operations and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mortuary facility operations, body reception, release procedures, record keeping, and facility management.
Infection Control and Hygiene
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops competencies in infection prevention, personal protective equipment, decontamination, and mortuary hygiene standards.
Body Storage Management
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers refrigeration systems, body storage organisation, temperature management, and maintenance of storage facilities.
Funeral Service Support
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Introduces funeral service procedures, coordination with families, cultural considerations, and grief support basics.
Health and Safety Regulations
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Covers occupational health and safety regulations, public health laws, and legal requirements for mortuary operations.

Specialisations

Embalming
Specialises in body preservation and embalming techniques.
Funeral Service Management
Focuses on funeral coordination and family services.
Mortuary Facility Management
Covers mortuary operations, storage, and facility maintenance.
Restorative Art
Specialises in restorative procedures for the deceased.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on anatomy or preservation techniques, followed by afternoon practical sessions in a mortuary facility where trainees practise body reception, preservation, storage management, and hygiene procedures under professional supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Specialised field with less competition for positions.
Provides an essential community service during difficult times.
Foundation for progression to diploma and advanced mortuary science qualifications.

Against it

The nature of the work can be emotionally challenging.
Working conditions involve exposure to chemicals and require strict safety practices.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public78k to 82k

78k at KMTC (Year 2+)82k at KMTC (Year 1)

Private75k to 127k

75k at Goshen Medical and Technical College127k at First American Health Institute

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KMTC 82.2K pub (kmtc.ac.ke). Goshen 75K, FAHI 126.5K priv (goshencollege.ac.ke).

HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.

Funding options

HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

HELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D
Alternative entry: KCSE D- (minus) with a relevant artisan certificate.

How you are assessed

2 components

KNEC Theory Examination
Written examination70% of the mark
Written examination covering mortuary science theory and anatomy.
KNEC Practical Assessment
Practical assessment30% of the mark
Practical assessment of mortuary competencies in facility settings.

Accreditation

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Mortuary operations are subject to Ministry of Health public health regulations.

Accredited by

Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Certificate in Mortuary Science.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
AcademicRequired
TVETA accredits institutions offering mortuary science programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Mortuary Technician
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 45,000
Performs body preservation, storage, and mortuary operations in hospitals and funeral homes.
Funeral Service Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 40,000
Assists with funeral arrangements, body preparation, and coordination with families.
Mortuary Attendant
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 38,000
Manages body reception, storage, and release procedures in hospital and county mortuaries.
Embalming Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 23,000 to Ksh 42,000
Assists embalmers with body preservation procedures and chemical preparation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as mortuary technicians and funeral service assistants in hospitals, funeral homes, and county government facilities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Mortuary science is a morbid profession.
Mortuary science is a dignified profession that provides essential services to families during difficult times.
There is no demand for trained mortuary staff.
Kenya's funeral service industry is professionalising with growing demand for certified personnel.
Mortuary work is dangerous.
With proper training in infection control and safety procedures, mortuary work is safe and well-regulated.
Anyone can work in a mortuary without training.
Proper training ensures safe handling, preservation, and public health compliance in mortuary operations.