Running a funeral home is no task for the faint-hearted; it demands both a compassionate spirit and a resilient disposition, especially in the face of unfounded rumors and skepticism surrounding this potentially lucrative enterprise. In the subsequent discourse, we delve into the narrative of the individual behind the establishment of Umash Funeral Home, an establishment that has risen to become a preeminent funeral home within the nation.
Chronicles of Mr. Njoroge Kamau, as Narrated by us
The chronicle of Mr. Njoroge Kamau unfurls against the backdrop of his personal journey, one that began a few years prior to Kenya’s attainment of independence, within the vicinity of Mount Kenya. Emerging from a modest upbringing, Mr. Kamau’s formative years were guided by a single parent’s care, who faced unemployment, rendering their circumstances even more daunting. His formal education came to an end at Class 7 due to financial constraints, compelling him to pursue a course in carpentry. This journey led him to a three-year stint at the National Council of Kenya (NCCK) in Kangemi.
Subsequently, he enrolled at the Christian Industrial College in Pumwani, where he remained for four years before embarking on a new trajectory. Opting to venture into entrepreneurship, he initiated a carpentry workshop, crafting an array of furniture items. However, his path took an unforeseen turn as he delved into crafting caskets, a pioneering feat that earned him the distinction of being the first African to be granted a license by the city council.
Genesis of Umash Funeral Home
In a candid discussion on Citizen TV, Kamau recounted how his foray into casket production came at a cost – he encountered the loss of friends and clients who harbored reservations about his aspirations. Kamau reflects, “The decision almost cost me my business, I lost friends and clients. The coffins were driving the furniture out of the workshop. To be accepted by people takes a lot and a long time. I will tell you before I was now selling one or two caskets per week, it was after almost four years.”
Notwithstanding these challenges, Kamau’s tenacity remained unshaken. Over time, he pursued a license to establish a funeral service, a pursuit that consumed seven years of dedication. In 1987, his vision culminated in the inception of Umash Funeral Home, conceived with the intent of revolutionizing the funeral sector’s image. In that era, mortuaries were often perceived as unsettling places. Kamau’s innovative vision transformed Umash Funeral Home into a welcoming space, where individuals could find comfort, even engaging in communal activities like dining.
The Triumph of Umash Funeral Home
Today, Umash Funeral Home stands tall as one of the country’s premier funeral homes, boasting cutting-edge amenities to bestow dignified final respects upon the departed. This facility accommodates over 100 bodies, offers a dedicated chapel for family prayers, and features an Executive Unit catering to VIP needs. With branches located in Nairobi, adjacent to the Armed Forces Memorial along Mbagathi Way, and in Nakuru, along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, Umash Funeral Home has expanded its reach.
In an exclusive interview with Tony Sanya on the Movers and Shakers program aired on Citizen TV, Mr. Kamau disclosed his plans to extend the Umash Funeral Home footprint to Mombasa and Kisumu in the near future. This vision speaks to the enduring spirit of an individual who transcended adversity to establish a remarkable institution, forever altering the landscape of funeral services within the nation.
