Kavai, a mother of two, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019 and was receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu. She underwent chemotherapy and was scheduled to undergo a surgery but passed on before she could undergo the procedure.
In his statement sent to newsrooms on Sunday, January 26, Oparanya expressed his grief as he hailed Kavai as a committed and hardworking administrator who diligently served her county.
“It is with a deep sense of loss, sorrow and shock that I learnt of the death of Ms Kavai. She was a true professional who offered her all to her duty.
“The passing on of Ms Kavai has robbed Kakamega County of a respected education administrator and hardworking CEO who was committed to turning around the economic development of our great county,” Oparanya’s statement read in part.
Kavai was first appointed to Oparanya’s government in March 2015 to serve as the CEC in charge of Education, Science and Technology having previously been the Principal at Mukumu Girls’ High School.
Kavai, who was born in Sabatia, Vihiga County in 1960, was promoted to lead the county’s investment vehicle, Kakamega Investment Agency, in 2018.
She studied education at Kenyatta University and went on to work in various capacities within the sector.
Former students and colleagues who interacted with Kavai also shared their condolences, remembering her as a strong, caring and fearless educationist.
“I join other educationists in mourning the late Ebby Kavai who passed on today RIP. Former principal Mukumu Girls High School and a senior officer at the county of Kakamega,” posted Avungana2 on Twitter.
“When my mother was hospitalised, one lady stepped in to be a mother to my sister and I when we were kids. That woman has passed on this morning. Rest in peace Ebby Kavai. Till will meet again,” shared Nujoma on the same platform.
