The 2nd Annual Mortician Conference & Exhibition participants at KMTC -Nakuru.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is the trailblazer in propagating career progression in the Mortuary Science Program as it is set to roll out a Diploma and Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science Practice during its January 2024 intake. This was revealed during the 2 Annual Mortician Conference & Exhibition held on 19 to 21 December 2023 at Kenya Medical Training College – Nakuru. MMUST will be the only University offering a Bachelor’s degree in this program in the entire East and Central Africa. The conference themed brought together stakeholders from different sectors. It was aimed at addressing morticians’ career growth and advancement.
Speaking during the conference, the Deputy Principal of MMUST TVET Institute, Dr. Samuel Waweru noted that the University endeavors to unveil Diploma and Bachelors programs to ensure the professional advancement of morticians. “We appreciate the University Management for supporting this noble profession. MMUST has the capacity and expertise to train competent morticians to ensure the expansion of this program. I call upon you to enroll at MMUST for your Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science Practice,” said Dr. Waweru.
The Deputy Principal of MMUST TVET Institute, Dr. Samuel Waweru addressing participants during the conference.
Concurring with Dr. Waweru, Mr. Patrick Myles- a Senior Technologist in Human Anatomy at MMUST pointed out that MMUST has so far graduated nineteen students from this program. He demystified the myth that mortuary science is a course for disadvantaged people.
"I am pleased to note that Mortuary Science is rapidly growing. The new and younger people who are coming into this field are more open-minded about not doing things the same way, but customizing their services to what the society requires,” said Mr. Myles.
The Senior Technologist Human Anatomy- Mr. Patrick Myles making a presentation at the Conference.
Similarly, the Marketing Officer Mr. James Muriithi reiterated that MMUST’s curriculum is competency-based and well-designed to produce morticians with relevant skills, and attitudes necessary to handling human remains with dignity.
One of the presenters at the conference Ms. Angella Wekesa from the Kenya Bureau of Standards noted that there is a big interest in this field from women and it is reasonable. “Women have an empathetic bent and are indeed the best in this field,” she added.
A section of participants following presentations at the conference.
The three-day conference was organized by the Morticians and Allied Professionals Association of Kenya ( MAPAKe) which is a professional association representing all cadres of morticians. It has a National Executive Committee led by the Chairperson- Mr. Elkana Mwinami from Aga Khan University Hospital- Nairobi.
Some of the topics extensively addressed during the conference included ‘Trends and Challenges in Vaccination in the Context of Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases’ by Mr. Erick Kitangala, ‘Mental Health in Mortuary Science’ by Ms. Grace Mwangi; ‘Certification, Licensing and Regulatory Framework in Mortuary Science Practice in Kenya’ by Mr. Alex Chweya; ‘Licencing and Regulatory Framework in Mortuary Science’ by Dr. Kioko Jackson; ‘Role of Competency-Based Education and Training in Health Professions’ by Mr. Jamlick Gitonga; ‘Financial Literacy among Morticians’ by Ms, Susan Karuci and Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Mortuary Science Practice’ by Dr. Edith Churchman.
The Marketing Officer- Mr. James Muriithi (Blue shirt), Mr. Wycliffe Anganyani and Mr. Samuel Mirima from MMUST registering for the conference.
Several factors are fuelling growing interest in this profession. With the emerging trends in mortuary science and the struggle to fill plentiful job vacancies in a tight labor market, this is one of the unique professions where interest seems to be flourishing. It is a career that women currently make up the highest percentage compared to men.
Notably, MMUST has set the pace for the rest of the Universities in teaching Mortuary Science Practice. It has a well-aligned curriculum that defines career pathways for morticians and addresses the needs of the job industry to progressively transform the career in Mortuary Science Practice
By Linet Owuor
