Resources · Bereavement

When someone dies far from home.

Pole sana. If you're reading this because someone has died, you don't have to work it all out alone. These are the practical steps, in order, from official sources, and wakenya are here to help.

Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything.

1. The first hours

If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 911.
Need to travel to Kenya urgently without a valid Kenyan passport? See the emergency certificate.
Choose a funeral home. In most cases the funeral director handles the Ontario paperwork for you, and they can arrange sending your loved one home. Tell them early if the burial will be in Kenya.
Funeral homes, transfer services and crematoriums in Ontario must be licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, and its consumer guide explains your rights and what you can be charged for.

Source: Government of Ontario, "What to do when someone dies" and Bereavement Authority of Ontario, consumer information guide

2. Registering the death in Ontario

Two forms are needed: a Medical Certificate of Death, filled in by the doctor or coroner, and a Statement of Death, filled in by the funeral director and a family member.
They are sent to the clerk of the municipality where the death happened. Usually the funeral director does this.
Once the death is registered, a burial permit is issued. You need it even if the burial will be outside Ontario.
Moving a body outside Ontario also needs a shipment certificate approved by a coroner. Only a licensed funeral home or transfer service can request it.

Source: Government of Ontario, "What to do when someone dies" and "Request a certificate to cremate a body or ship a body out of province"

3. Taking your loved one home to Kenya

The Kenya High Commission issues a letter of no objection so the remains can be transported to Kenya. There is no fee. Send the High Commission copies of:

The death certificate
The burial transit permit
The embalming certificate
A letter from the health department confirming there was no contagious disease at the time of death
The person's passport, birth certificate or other ID
Phone numbers of next of kin or friends in Canada and in Kenya
A prepaid, self-addressed Canada Post Xpresspost envelope with a tracking number for the reply

Kenya High Commission, 415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4. Main line +1 613-563-1773, emergency line +1 613-406-2065.

Your funeral director will know which of these papers they can provide, and how long each takes. Ask them to work with the High Commission. Ask the airline and the funeral home about the rules for flying remains across the border.

Source: Kenya High Commission, "Transportation of remains of a deceased Kenyan" and "Contact us"

4. Taking ashes home

If the family chooses cremation, the High Commission needs copies of:

The death certificate
The certificate from the crematorium
A certificate from the funeral director confirming the container holds only the remains
The person's Kenyan passport, birth certificate or other ID
A prepaid, self-addressed Xpresspost envelope with a tracking number

5. Death certificates

A death certificate can only be issued after the death is registered. Ontario says registrations are currently taking up to 16 weeks.
Order online from ServiceOntario: $15 regular (15 business days plus mail) or $45 premium (5 business days by courier).
By mail: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 4600, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8.
A certified copy of the death registration is available only to next of kin, such as a spouse, parent, child or sibling.

Source: Government of Ontario, "Get or replace an Ontario death certificate"

6. The CPP death benefit

If the person paid into the Canada Pension Plan long enough, their estate or family can get a one-time payment of up to $5,000. That is a basic $2,500, plus up to another $2,500 for some deaths on or after January 1, 2025. The executor applies first, within 60 days. If there is no executor, the person who paid for the funeral, the spouse, or the next of kin can apply. Apply online through My Service Canada Account, or by mail with form ISP1200.

Source: Government of Canada, "CPP death benefit"

7. The community

Kenyan families abroad have always carried each other through loss, with harambee, food and company. If you want the community to know, or need help, contact us and we'll help you reach wakenya in Thunder Bay.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm each step with the funeral home, the Kenya High Commission or the government office named.