(Mercy Owiti) Talking about death, is a taboo in African culture.
When you talk about death, it's as if you are inviting death.
When people see this vehicle around, the stigma is still there.
Somebody's going to die.
But, what they do not know that we are taking care of people who have got life-threatening
illnesses.
(Jedidah Nyawera) My husband was diagnosed with cancer.
I received the news with difficulty.
But, when I went to counseling it became easier.
When we were in Nyeri Hospice, I learned that a person's property
cannot be taken away even when one has died.
Even though I knew my husband would die, I knew that I had a right to all of his property,
because I was his wife.
(Mercy) We talk a lot about death.
We start preparing the families and even the patient themselves.
We prepare them for what is ahead of them.
(Dr. Zipporah Ali) For a long time as Kenyans we have never really been enlightened about
our rights as people.
Our new constitution talks about Right to Health.
We have insisted that palliative care should be integrated into the public health care
system.
Palliative care is a holistic type of care.
It's not just physical.
It's emotional, it's psychosocial, it's financial, it's everything.
It doesn't just focus on the patient.
It extends to the family members as well.
(Mercy) With a dignified death, he handed over his properties
to the family members without much problems.
People do not know how to prepare for their own death,
especially young families.
"How will they live when I'm gone?"
"Will they be able to continue with their education?"
"Will there be anybody who will be able to support them while I'm not there?"
(Mercy) It is important to make some time to think about your own goals,
and share them with your loved ones.
Through training and education, we prepare them.
We give them information about legal matters, patients' right to health,
subdividing their properties, and power of attorney.
We want them to not die with unfinished business.
Where they are supported legally they are happy.
Because they know even when they are gone, life will still continue.
[Singing in Nyeri Hospice]
(Mercy) Nobody wants to die in the hands of people who are not caring.
Even me myself, I would like to have somebody who cares.
We are on the ground.
We are in the field seeing patients.
We are taking care of people who are very poor.
We give them hope to live until that time comes.
(Charles Karani) I really suffered.
I really suffered because you go to hospital and you are told to go elsewhere.
When one is sick, one feels very lonely and may think people are despising you.
Now that you have come, I feel valued.
I am special.
How good are they that they even visit patients in their homes?
They console you, so that you don't even feel sick.
(Mercy to Charles) Even at the end, the condition you are in now, are you ready?
(Charles to Mercy) The way you have visited me, and the way you have prepared me, I can
only give a big thank you.
(Mercy) Are you ready?
To walk in this sickness?
(Charles) I am ready.
[Music fades out]