One year old girl dies in Ngong house fire
A one-year-old girl identfied as Queency Wambui has died following a house fire in Gichagi, Ngong, Kajiado North, in a tragedy that has left residents in shock. The child, was alone in the family’s two-roomed house with her siblings, aged 10 and 3, when the fire broke out. According to eyewitnesses, residents noticed smoke billowing from the roof of the house and quickly rushed to the scene carrying buckets of water in an effort to extinguish the flames. After forcing their way into the house, the first responders found the 10 year old boy unconscious before rescuing him together with his three-year-old brother. The body of the sister was later found trapped between a double-decker bed and a window, suggesting she may have been attempting to escape the rapidly spreading fire, which had engulfed a mattress, blankets, and other household items. The children’s mother, Grace Njeri, had reportedly left for work after securing employment just two days earlier. Officers from Ngong Police Station led by Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Jacob Ndunda, together with forensic scene investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), visited the scene and launched investigations. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been caused by a mobile water-heating device, although investigations are continuing to establish the exact cause. Kajiado North Sub-County Administrator Samuel Muchiri, who visited the scene alongside other county government officials, urged parents and guardians to make use of daycare services instead of leaving young children at home. He noted that an affordable daycare facility is available at Ngong Market. His remarks were echoed by Ngong Ward MCA Mbiriri Mwaura, who, while addressing residents during a public participation forum at Umoja Village on 31 July, encouraged parents to ask trusted neighbours to watch over their children whenever they are away from home. As the family mourns, funeral planning meetings are being held daily at their home in Gichagi starting at 7:00 p.m. A fundraising event has also been scheduled for this coming Sunday 2 August, at the family home to help support the bereaved family.The family is appealing for donations of household items and clothing for the surviving boys, aged 10 and 3 years, as they seek to rebuild their lives following the tragedy. Those wishing to offer financial assistance or make other enquiries can contact Grace Njeri on 0723 497 770. The incident has also sparked discussion about the challenges faced by single parents in Kenya. While countries such as Norway provide comprehensive financial assistance, childcare support and education benefits to eligible single parents through the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, and South Africa offers child support grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to low income caregivers, many single parents in Kenya continue to rely largely on extended family, community support and non-governmental organisations for assistance. Authorities and lawmakers have been challenged to come up with systems that can assist struggling parents especially matters health and education.
