Sharon Chebet dusting coffins at her Horizon Funeral Services in Eldoret./MATHEWS NDANYI
A 29-year-old single mother of two from Eldoret who used funding from the Nyota Fund to expand her coffin business has become the talk of the town after sharing her story during the recent second-phase disbursement event in Eldoret.
Sharon Chebet Maritim surprised the audience when she was among those called by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to explain how she had used the initial Sh22,000 disbursed to her last year.
"I used the money to top up my savings and expand my coffin business, which is now earning me a living," she said.
Even CS Murkomen appeared taken aback by her testimony before asking how the business was performing.
Sharon Chebet with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. /SCREENGRA
Sharon Chebet was with President Ruto during the first disbursement of the Nyota Fund in Eldoret last year. /SCREENGRAB
There was laughter and surprise in the audience as Sharon narrated her story, but Murkomen quickly interjected, saying she was doing a noble job by ensuring the deceased received decent send-offs.
She explained that she used the Nyota Fund money to buy five coffins to start the business and can now serve several clients at the same time.
After the event, Sharon said she was thrust into the limelight in a way she never expected. Her story went viral, and she has since received numerous phone calls and visitors at her business, located near River Sosiani along the Eldoret-Kisumu Road.
Sharon, as she is popularly known in Eldoret, said she has been overwhelmed by enquiries and that many people have sought funeral services from her.
Sharon Chebet dusting coffins at her Horizon Funeral Services in Eldoret./MATHEWS NDANYI
However, the publicity has also brought challenges because she now lacks the capacity to handle the growing number of clients.
Last year, while stressed and searching for a job in Eldoret City, she passed through the Sosiani River area, where several coffin-selling shops are located. She approached some women outside the shops and told them she was looking for work.
One of the women offered to employ her as a coffin salesperson, paying her Sh2,000 per week regardless of the number of coffins she sold.
"I was stressed and unemployed, yet I had two children and my mother to support. I needed money, even if it was only enough to put food on the table," she said.
She accepted the job and began marketing and selling coffins while saving part of her weekly earnings. When she heard about the Nyota Fund, she applied and successfully received the first disbursement, which she added to her savings to expand Horizon Funeral Services, a business she started a few months ago.
She said that since sharing her story at the event held at Eldoret Sports Club last week, she has been inundated with enquiries and is now seeking support to establish a fully fledged funeral services business.
"Death is a very unfortunate reality of life, but it is something that will come to all of us. We all need funeral services at some point, and while I am alive, I want to offer the best services to grieving families," Sharon said.
She has only two or three small coffins in stock, but recently, clients have been seeking executive funeral packages, including expensive coffins, hearses, lowering gear, and other services.
"I don't have all those services. Even though the Nyota Fund helped me expand to some extent, I wish I could get more support so I can offer everything my clients need," she said.
Sharon Chebet dusting coffins at her Horizon Funeral Services in Eldoret. /MATHEWS NDANYI
"I wish I had my own hearse and all the other related services so I could serve my clients better," she said.
Her decision to venture into the coffin business has not been easy. She comes from the Kalenjin community, where many people still consider the trade taboo and contrary to cultural beliefs and traditions.
As a woman, Sharon said she continues to face stigma and rejection from relatives and friends, many of whom have urged her to quit the business and look for another job.
"Many have even blocked my phone number, while others have cut ties with me. They do not want to associate with me because they believe my business is taboo," she said.
Despite the criticism, Sharon remains determined.
"None of those discouraging me has offered me another job. When my family and I were going hungry, very few people came to our aid. If I had died then, those same people would probably have attended my funeral," she said.
Her father died when she was still very young, and she was later told that villagers cut down a tree and carved a coffin for his burial.
"That story saddened me, but it also inspired me to remain in this business and help other families give their loved ones dignified send-offs," she said.
Sharon admitted that when she first started the business, she often had nightmares about coffins and death, but over time, she has grown accustomed to the work.
"Sometimes clients come to my shop, and the mere sight of a coffin makes them break down in tears. I am also human, and I feel their pain, but I have to stay strong so I can comfort and serve them," she said.
She acknowledged that she is often overwhelmed by grief but believes death is part of God's plan.
Sharon said she is slowly helping her family and friends understand that there is nothing wrong with the business and that she is not the only person earning a living from the funeral industry.
"With time, I know they will understand me. In the meantime, as long as God keeps me alive, I will remain focused and pray that I get support to expand my business," said Sharon, who was born in Nandi County and now lives in Eldoret City.
During the first Nyota Fund disbursement event in Eldoret, presided over by President William Ruto, Sharon met the Head of State after she was called to confirm that she had received the money through M-Pesa.
She said her coffin business has even scared away potential suitors, but she remains hopeful that the future will be brighter.
