The funeral home business is a highly profitable venture, yet only a few have the courage to invest in it. For those who take the leap and manage it well, the returns can be substantial. One such entrepreneur is Benjamin Kibiku, who left his career in marketing to establish Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home.
The Journey of Benjamin Kibiku
Benjamin Kibiku started his professional journey as a marketer at AIG Insurance Company in Nairobi. While working in the insurance industry, he identified a business opportunity that few were willing to explore: creating a state-of-the-art morgue with world-class facilities and services.
However, when he shared his idea with others, many dismissed it as absurd. His biggest hurdle was securing funding, as banks were reluctant to finance a funeral home venture. Undeterred, Kibiku remained committed to his vision, diligently saving money from his job with the hope that one day he would realize his dream.
Starting a Funeral Transport Business
In late 1988, Kibiku sought financial support from a cooperative society, securing a loan of Ksh 70,000. Combining this amount with his savings, he purchased a second-hand pick-up truck that had been involved in an accident. After repairing and modifying the vehicle, he converted it into a hearse, marking the beginning of his journey in the funeral business.
Launching the hearse business, however, came with numerous challenges. Speaking to Business Daily, Kibiku recalled the struggles he faced:
“I lost many friends during that period, but that didn’t discourage me. Finding a driver and a parking space was another major issue. No one wanted to be associated with the business. Initially, I tried parking it at my rented house, but my landlord objected. Eventually, a garage owner agreed to help,” he shared.
Despite his efforts, the business was slow to take off, even after advertising in local newspapers. Determined to create awareness, Kibiku devised an unconventional marketing strategy. He attended burial meetings, pretending to be an acquaintance of the deceased, and offered his hearse for free. His driver distributed flyers at the burials, subtly promoting their services.
This tactic worked, and soon, the hearse business started receiving bookings. With the profits, Kibiku purchased another second-hand van and expanded his business by venturing into coffin making.
The Birth of Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Services Limited
In 1992, Kibiku resigned from his marketing job at AIG Insurance to fully focus on the funeral business. He secured funding through bank loans and personal savings, which he used to establish a small morgue with limited capacity.
As demand grew, he acquired a prime piece of land along Mbagathi Way (now Raila Odinga Way) and set out to build a modern funeral home. Construction began in 2004, and after five years of dedication and hard work, Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Services became a reality.
A Leading Funeral Services Provider
Today, Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Services is widely regarded as a premier funeral service provider, offering high-quality hearses, coffins, and mortuary services to both local and international clients. The facility is a one-stop center where families can purchase coffins and access a chapel for prayers before collecting their loved one’s remains.
With a storage capacity of 100 bodies and a daily charge of Ksh 2,000 per body, the funeral home has cemented its place as a trusted name in the industry.
Expansion and Branches
Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home has expanded its reach with three branches across Kenya:
- Nairobi Headquarters – Located along Raila Odinga Way (formerly Mbagathi Way) opposite Forces Memorial Hospital.
- Thika Road Branch – Situated in Kabati, opposite Shell Petrol Station.
- Machakos Branch – Found along Makutano-Kitui Road, directly opposite the Governor’s office.
Benjamin Kibiku’s journey from a marketing professional to a funeral services mogul is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and resilience. By transforming a once-taboo business into a well-respected enterprise, he has not only built a successful company but also redefined the funeral services industry in Kenya.
