Passion for morgue work came to me unexpectedly, but it dates back to 2023, a year marked by struggle. Financially, I was at my lowest. Bills piled up, and I had to navigate life beyond academia with limited resources.
At the time, I was preparing for resit exams, but life had other plans. I secured an attachment at KALRO-TRC, which meant rescheduling my retakes. It was a tough choice, but I prioritized survival over schedules.
That same year, Egerton University rolled out its work-study program, a lifeline for students like me. As a Biomedical Science Technologist, I jumped at the chance. My application through the Dean of Students was my ticket out of the financial quagmire. When the acceptance email came, I was elated. The program not only promised a way to fund my retake fees but also aligned with my growing interest in pathology and forensic science.
My first day at the Egerton University funeral home was unusual. Nervousness gripped me as I stepped into a world where death is the focus. But curiosity and a sense of purpose kept me going. The team of professionals I worked with; mentors like Dr. Wainaina and Dr. Fikinda, quickly became my support system. Their competence and professionalism shattered stereotypes about morticians.Daily routines were intense yet fulfilling. Mornings started early, with tasks like retrieving case files, organizing tools, and sanitizing workspaces for postmortem examinations. I assisted pathologists during autopsies, handling instruments and documenting findings. Some days were emotionally challenging, especially when admitting children or managing a high influx of bodies, sometimes as many as twenty in a day.
Dr. Nderitu Nyaga, a Veterinary Medicine expert, encourages Victory Emonjong Ono, a Biomedical Science student, during his work-study at Egerton University Funeral Home on December 4, 2024, praising his focus on pathology.
(Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)
Beyond technical skills, the experience deepened my appreciation for life. I interacted with forensic teams, law enforcement, and grieving families, learning the importance of empathy and respect. The work reinforced the need to treat the deceased with dignity while maintaining professionalism amidst the emotional toll.
The journey was transformative. Society often perceives morgue work as grim or "dirty," but I found it to be a noble profession. It taught me resilience, the value of mentorship, and the interconnectedness of life and death. Egerton University funeral home is more than just a workplace; it’s a hub for growth and opportunity.
To anyone considering this path, I say: embrace it wholeheartedly. It’s an unmatched opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact. I’m forever grateful to Egerton University for this life-changing experience.
By VICTORY EMONJONG ONO.
As narrated to: Kurian Musa, Communication Officer, Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, Egerton University. Email:
