In today’s fast-changing world, technology has greatly improved communication. Long ago, sharing important information, such as news of a death, was very difficult. A person could take days or even a whole week to deliver a message to family members, even if they lived within the same region. In the past, many families were polygamous, making the delivery of information to all relatives even more challenging.

People traditionally used methods of communication such as smoke signals, horns, drums, and letters. During those times, communities depended on travelers moving from one place to another to pass information. Today, however, things are completely different. Modern technology has made communication faster and easier. Through mobile phones, emails, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, information can spread across the world within seconds. Affordable internet bundles have also made it easier for people to stay connected, read news, and share information using their phones.

In the past, when someone died, relatives and neighbors gathered together to pay their last respects to the deceased. However, informing everyone could take a long time. Sometimes family members became upset when they were not informed early enough. In some communities, elderly relatives, especially aunties, would openly express their anger when funeral information was delayed.

Nowadays, technology has reduced many of these challenges. Families can quickly share information, organize funeral arrangements, and communicate with loved ones regardless of where they are. Although death is a reality for everyone, many African communities traditionally do not regard death as a completely natural occurrence and often believe there is a cause behind it.

In polygamous families, when a husband passed away, his body could be taken to each wife’s home so that every family member would have an opportunity to pay their final respect before burial. He would later be buried at the home of the first wife.

According to Ezekiel Burudi, a trained chef and who owns a cafeteria, respect for the dead still remains strong despite advances in technology. He gave the example of the passing of the late Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, which saw many people travel across the country to view the body of the late leader. Despite the funeral being a state function, the government proposed several public viewing areas, including Parliament Buildings, Nyayo Stadium, and Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu. Even with these arrangements, police officers still faced difficulties controlling the huge crowds that attended the final send-off.

“People respect the dead because of the emotional attachment they had with the person while he or she was still alive. In cases where someone lived beyond 100 years, the funeral can even become a celebration of a great achievement,” Burudi said.

Traditional beliefs surrounding death also continue to play a strong role in many communities. Some communities believe the spirit of the dead maintains a strong connection with the living. Cows are slaughtered and other cultural rituals performed to allow the spirit of the deceased to rest peacefully without disturbing the living. Traditionally, a male animal is slaughtered when a man dies, while a female animal is slaughtered when a woman dies.

According to David Zakayo Kalukhana, an elder from the Kabras Council of Elders, people still acknowledge the traditional ways of sending off the dead despite advancements in technology. He cited that crops, animals, firewood, and food are delivered to bereaved families to help feed mourners attending funeral ceremonies, using example funeral of Malava MP Moses Malulu Injendi, which saw delegations from both the county and national governments deliver their contributions to the family.

“Eating is among the best ways of comforting people after losing a loved one. It prevents the spirit of the deceased from being disturbed by the belief that family members and mourners went hungry,” Kalukhana said.

He added that in many traditional beliefs, the dead are viewed as people who can no longer speak physically, but whose spirits continue to watch over the actions and lives of the living.

Despite all dead body has now been a source of income to many households of our nation like mortician where they examine the cause the death incase someone died a mistrous death that it’s cause wasn’t understood introduction of mortuary hearse tents chairs sound system where they accompany in sending off the dead. In the past people used playing drums in sending off the dead but currently they have to sound system in night vigil in preparation the following day to sent him off. Chairs tents owned on individual level are rented at a cost to be used by mourners. Now days it’s rumoured that in the rich family they hire paid professional mourners and crave diggers to let the spirit their loved ones rest peacefully

Technology has greatly transformed communication in modern society, especially during times of bereavement. Information that once took days or weeks to reach relatives can now be shared instantly through mobile phones and social media platforms. Despite these advancements, many communities still uphold traditional beliefs and cultural practices related to death and funeral rites. This shows that while technology changes the way people communicate, it does not erase the importance of culture, respect, and unity during mourning.

There is a need for communities to embrace technology responsibly while preserving positive cultural traditions that promote respect for the dead and support for grieving families. Leaders, elders, and religious institutions should continue educating younger generations on the importance of cultural values during funerals. At the same time, families should use modern communication tools effectively to ensure timely sharing of information and proper coordination during bereavement periods. Combining technology with cultural values can help strengthen unity, compassion, and social support within society.