Upon Catherine Njenga’s initial journey to a teachers training college, she envisioned a lifelong career in education. However, an unexpected event altered her trajectory, leading her from teaching to the profession of a mortician.
The catalyst for this change was the passing of her father, which exposed her to the disparities in mortuary services. Dissatisfied with the preservation of her father’s body at a local facility, she was impressed by the care and professionalism exhibited by the morticians at Kenyatta University funeral home during the transfer.
This incident ignited a new passion within her, prompting her to explore a career in mortuary science. Seeking guidance, she approached a female attendant at Kenyatta University mortuary, who directed her to online training courses. Following this advice, she enrolled in a program at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, which eventually led her to complete a three-month training course at Nairobi University. Subsequently, she secured a position at Nairobi Women Hospital as a mortician.
Despite her conviction, Njenga encountered resistance from her family, particularly her mother, who initially dismissed her aspirations as unconventional. However, Njenga persisted, emphasizing her desire to provide compassionate assistance to bereaved families, drawing upon the positive experience she had witnessed at Kenyatta University.
Convincing her mother was a challenging endeavor, requiring patience and persistence. Eventually, her mother relented, albeit with the stipulation that Njenga keep her career choice confidential.
Reflecting on her journey, Njenga acknowledges that teaching, once her envisioned path, no longer resonates with her. She expresses gratitude for discovering her true calling in mortuary science, lamenting only that she hadn’t recognized it sooner.
