Lang’ata Cemetery Faces Crisis as Space Runs Out and Security Deteriorates

A severe shortage of burial space and rising insecurity at Lang’ata Cemetery have sparked urgent calls for intervention from Nairobi’s political leaders. Mugumuini Ward MCA Jared Akama Ondieki, in whose ward the cemetery sits, sounded the alarm before the County Health Committee, warning that the situation had reached a breaking point.

Akama said the cemetery, which has served Nairobi residents for decades, is now completely full and no longer suitable for new burials. He described the “grave” state of affairs, revealing that some families have resorted to burying their loved ones in existing graves due to the lack of space.

“The adjacent land has been confirmed as available and can be purchased for expansion,” Akama said, urging the county government to “move with speed” to secure it. He emphasized that extending the cemetery was essential to ensure residents could continue to inter their loved ones with dignity.

In addition to the capacity crisis, the MCA raised alarm over deteriorating security and maintenance at the cemetery. He said the grounds have become overgrown and unsafe, with mourners reporting cases of robbery, carjacking, and theft.

“We’ve seen that when the area becomes bushy, incidents of robbery increase,” Akama noted, calling for immediate clearing and enhanced security measures.

Following his presentation, the MCA said he received assurances from the committee that action would be taken swiftly. Plans are reportedly underway to hire casual workers to trim the overgrowth and restore order within the grounds.

Akama further pointed out that aging infrastructure and neglected landscaping are compounding the cemetery’s decline. He said overgrown trees have begun damaging graves and internal roads, calling for pruning and eventual replanting to preserve the site’s dignity.

“We have agreed they will act by pruning and cutting some of the overgrown trees,” he said, adding that the goal is to make the cemetery “presentable and accommodating, even for mourners.”

The MCA stressed that Lang’ata Cemetery remains an important historical and cultural site for Nairobi and the country.

“We are committed to ensuring it becomes a better place for our people,” he said.

The county government now faces mounting pressure to follow through on these commitments and resolve the worsening crisis at one of Nairobi’s oldest and most significant burial grounds.