From burial to ashes: How bodies are disposed of

Cremation is another common method. It uses high heat to reduce the body to bone fragments and ash, which are then processed into a fine powder. [File, Standard]

In recent days, hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), have announced plans to dispose of unclaimed bodies if families do not come forward to identify and collect them.

KNH said it will dispose of more than 450 bodies if they remain uncollected within seven days of the notice. The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, on the other hand, has issued a 21-day notice.