Question 1

How long does repatriation from Nairobi take?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation from Nairobi, Kenya typically takes 14-28 days in a straightforward case. The process follows standard Kenya procedure: local funeral director handles embalming and documentation, cargo departs from NBO airport. Complex cases involving post-mortem can take 6-12 weeks.

Question 2

Who do I contact first when someone dies in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

When someone dies in Nairobi, contact a specialist repatriation company and the embassy or consulate of the person's own country as soon as possible. The specialist will coordinate with a licensed local funeral director in Nairobi and notify the relevant local authorities. Avoid instructing a local funeral director directly before engaging a specialist, as this can complicate documentation.

Question 3

Which airport does repatriation cargo fly from in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation cargo from Nairobi typically departs from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Cargo is transported as human remains on full-service commercial airlines. Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet do not carry human remains.

Question 4

What documents are needed for repatriation from Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

The required documents for repatriation from Nairobi include: local death certificate, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and airline cargo documentation. The local funeral director in Nairobi will obtain most of these on the family's behalf. Documentation typically takes 7-21 days.

Local funeral director	Set by the firm handling the case in Nairobi
Air freight from NBO	Turns on routing and how often flights go
Investigation	A post-mortem or inquest adds mortuary time
Reception at home	Depends on the receiving funeral home

Repatriation from Nairobi, Kenya

Deaths in Nairobi: local context

Common circumstances

Airport cargo

Flights and routing

Local considerations in Nairobi

Hospitals and forensic services in Nairobi

Hospitals

Forensic mortuary

Repatriation from Nairobi: how it works

Embassy contact

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