KMTC Eldoret finalist dies alongside newborn weeks before graduation

Faith Nafuna Wafula, popularly known as Scovia, died on October 6 at Bungoma County Referral Hospital after reportedly suffering severe bleeding following childbirth. Her newborn also did not survive, turning what should have been a defining moment in her young life into a double tragedy for her family.

The biomedical engineering diploma finalist had reportedly completed her final examinations and was preparing to graduate in December 2026. She had also reportedly been shortlisted for a position at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, raising hopes that she would soon begin her professional career.

Her death has left relatives, friends and members of the community mourning a young woman whose years of education had brought her to the threshold of graduation and employment.

Born on February 6, 2003, in Tulienge, Sibembe Village, Bungoma County, Faith pursued her education through Lavin Academy, Servanthood Academy, Khaweli Primary School and Bulimbo Girls Secondary School before joining KMTC.

She initially studied at the institution's Nairobi Campus before transferring to Eldoret, where she completed her diploma training in biomedical engineering.

News of her passing spread on social media after Martin Barasa shared a tribute describing her as one of their own and recounting how she and her newborn had died following childbirth complications.

Faith was laid to rest alongside her baby on October 17 at her family home in Bungoma. She is survived by her parents, Edward Wafula Maniala and Mildred Machuma, and her brothers Brian, John, popularly known as Brighton, and Eliya Wafula.

Her death has brought renewed attention to the devastating consequences of complications arising during and after childbirth, particularly severe bleeding, which requires urgent medical intervention. Although the available reports do not establish whether any delay or lapse in care occurred in her case, the tragedy underscores the importance of timely access to emergency obstetric services for mothers and newborns.

For Faith's family, the anticipated joy of celebrating her graduation has been replaced by the pain of burying both a daughter and a newborn. Her story is a sobering reminder that behind every academic milestone lies a human life, with dreams, relationships and a future that families hope to see fulfilled.

A promising career that was almost beginning has instead become a story of loss, leaving her loved ones to remember a young woman whose journey ended just as another chapter was about to open.