Water cremation, or as it is scientifically known, alkaline hydrolysis, is an alternative form of cremation, and when conducted correctly is one the greenest of all end of life options.

When choosing what happens to one’s body after death in Kenya, people have had only two realistic options – burial or flame cremation. Though not yet available on these shores, water cremation is said to be not far off becoming an option, with Leeds-based company Resomation set to be the first provider in Kenya after approvals.

WHAT IS A WATER CREMATION?

A water cremation happens with a method called alkaline hydrolysis, which in essence, is a sped-up version of what happens to a body when it is buried.

After drying and processing, what remains becomes an ash which may then be returned to a person’s family just as with regular cremation. Any bio-fluid that results from this cremation process is sterile and, importantly, does not have any trace of DNA. This can either be disposed of or given to the family for use in a garden of remembrance. The whole process of a water cremation is remarkably fast, taking approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The environmental impact of a water cremation is less than with the current conventional options of burial and flame cremation. There are no toxic emissions and no contribution to greenhouse gases with a water cremation. Also, since a coffin is not required (though can be included optionally) it reduces the need and use of wood, as well as the impact of its decomposition or burning.

WHEN WILL WATER CREMATION BE AVAILABLE IN  KENYA

It is unknown when exactly water cremation will be available as an end of life option in Kenya. Water cremation company Resomation had been set to open a facility in Leeds, but this ended up being blocked by the local water company over concerns around the disposal of ‘liquified remains’ into the wastewater system. However, science is winning this argument, albeit slowly, since water cremation water contains only natural elements and testing has proven not a single trace of human DNA.

KEEN FOR GREENER

With today’s current climate concerns, it is likely that we will see water cremations available as an alternative greener option in Kenya soon. When this does happen, traditional burials and flame cremation will certainly remain the norm – it took decades for the broader population to accept flame cremations when introduced. Only time will tell how popular of a funeral option it will become, but it will be good for individuals and families to have an alternative, greener option.