A senior Nairobi County official is pushing for the removal of coffin shops from the immediate vicinity of hospital gates, a move that balances compassionate healthcare with commercial enterprise. Geoffrey Mosiria, the Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, made the public appeal on Tuesday, December 2, suggesting the sight of caskets could induce panic and diminish hope for critically ill patients.

The request puts a spotlight on the delicate relationship between end-of-life services and the emotional well-being of those seeking treatment. "My humble request... is this: Let us keep coffin shops away from the main entrances of hospitals or directly opposite them," Mosiria stated, emphasizing the need to protect the mental state of vulnerable patients.

During a visit to a workshop near St. Teresa's Hospital in Kikuyu, Mosiria engaged with business owner Maryanne Muchoki. While praising her and others in the trade for doing "God's work with dignity, love, and deep respect for the departed," he framed the relocation as a necessary step for patient care.

A Question of Sensitivity

The core of Mosiria's argument is the potential for psychological harm. "Patients who are in critical condition may see them and immediately panic or lose hope of recovering," he warned. This sentiment has found support among some Nairobi residents, who feel that fruit and flower vendors would be more appropriate businesses for hospital entrances. The debate touches on a wider issue of urban planning and how public spaces should be managed to cater to the emotional needs of the community.

Livelihoods and Logistics

For coffin makers, however, proximity to hospitals and mortuaries is a practical business decision. These locations provide direct access to families in their time of need. While Mosiria's appeal was framed respectfully and not as a formal directive, it raises questions for business owners who rely on their current locations for their livelihood. The official did not specify any proposed alternative locations or support for businesses that might choose to move. The discussion, for now, remains an appeal to conscience rather than a matter of legal enforcement, leaving business owners to weigh public sentiment against commercial reality.