- The University of Eldoret community is mourning Associate Professor Violet Kadenyeka Mugalavai following her sudden death.
- Her academic career focused strongly on food security, nutrition, research, mentorship and community empowerment.
- Colleagues, students and friends are remembering her contribution to scholarship and improved community livelihoods.
The University of Eldoret is mourning the death of Associate Professor Violet Kadenyeka Mugalavai, who passed away suddenly on September 17, 2026, following a cardiac arrest.
Prof. Mugalavai’s death has left family, colleagues, students and friends grieving the loss of a scholar whose career was marked by research, mentorship and community empowerment.
She was recognised as a distinguished academic and passionate researcher, particularly in the area of food security, where she dedicated much of her work to supporting women, young people and smallholder farmers.
Through her academic and research work, Prof. Mugalavai sought to contribute to efforts aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening the capacity of communities to address food and nutrition challenges.
The University of Eldoret identifies her as an Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture, with research interests in food science, nutrition and post-harvest handling. The university also credits her as the innovator behind the Unga Nutritious brand, developed to improve nutrition and reduce post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers.
Colleagues and those who knew her have described her as a committed mentor who readily shared her knowledge and experience with students and upcoming scholars.
Beyond her academic responsibilities, Prof. Mugalavai was remembered as a woman of deep faith, a devoted mother and a compassionate person whose kindness and resilience left a lasting impression on those around her.
Tributes to scholar
News of her death has triggered an outpouring of messages of condolence, with former students, colleagues, friends and members of the wider community paying tribute to her contribution to scholarship, research and mentorship.
Her death comes as a loss to the University of Eldoret academic community and the wider research fraternity, where she had built a reputation through her commitment to knowledge generation and community development.
University records show that she previously served as Head of Department and Director of Industrial Linkages, Partnerships and Collaborations. Earlier university records also identify her as Director of the Directorate of Industrial Linkages, Partnerships and Collaborations.
Prof. Mugalavai is survived by her children and other family members.
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Further details on her funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family.
By Adrian Biwott
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