In early 2026, several Kenyan families are facing immense distress as they struggle to repatriate the remains of their loved ones from abroad, often due to lack of insurance and high costs. The cost of repatriation can range from Sh800,000 for remains in Iraq to over Sh3.9 million for those in North America.
The family of Felister Kemunto (Iraq) in Kisii is appealing for Sh800,000 to bring her body home after she died mysteriously in December 2025 while working as a domestic helper. They face a 15-day ultimatum before her remains are disposed of abroad.
John Kamau Karunda a casual labourer who died in a road accident in Ontario-Canada, has got his family struggle to raise the roughly Sh2.7 million required, as he lacked insurance benefits.
Families of at least 18 Kenyans confirmed dead after being recruited into the Russian military are demanding government intervention for repatriation. One family from Busia has pleaded for help to return the body of Oscar Agola, killed in combat.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu stated that while the welfare team is looking into specific cases like Kemunto’s, the government has no legal obligation to fund the repatriation of remains.
Kenyans in the diaspora and local leaders are increasingly calling for the establishment of a Diaspora Welfare Insurance Fund to provide a structured solution for such tragedies, as current efforts rely almost entirely on community crowdfunding and WhatsApp groups.
By Anthony Solly
