Athi River MCA Jeremiah Kaloi donates assortment of foodstuff to fire victims at area chief's office in Njuguini, Machakos County, on September 23, 2025The government has been urged to waive statutory charges for replacing national identification cards, birth certificates, and academic certificates for families affected by the September 18 fire in Athi River, Machakos County.
Athi River MCA Jeremiah Kaloi made the appeal on Monday, saying the victims—19 families whose homes were razed in California area, Njuguini—lost not only their property but also vital personal documents.
“All the victims were left only with the clothes they had on their backs,” Kaloi said.
“They cannot afford to pay for replacements after losing everything, including household items.”
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) charges Sh5,220, inclusive of VAT, to replace lost KCSE and KCPE certificates, payable through designated banks. Replacing a national ID card costs Sh1,000.
Kaloi said the government should waive such fees for the fire victims, given that the loss was beyond their control. He added that his office was collecting details of lost documents to follow up with the relevant authorities.
He spoke after distributing food donations to the victims at the Athi River chief’s office, where village elders assisted in handing out maize flour, rice, sugar, milk, soap, tissue paper, tea leaves, and cooking oil.
Kaloi also pledged to lobby school heads not to send away children who lost uniforms and books in the blaze. “Let them be allowed to continue learning in civilian clothes as we look for uniforms. They never planned for this tragedy,” he said.
The MCA further appealed to well-wishers, NGOs, churches, and philanthropists to step in and support the families as they rebuild their lives. He noted that the County Government of Machakos had already provided mattresses and blankets to the victims.
The Star established that the affected families, who were initially sheltered at the Salvation Army Church, have since moved into single-room rentals in Njuguini at Sh3,500 a month, with rent due at the end of September.
Kaloi also cautioned residents to be more careful in handling gas cylinders and cooking stoves to prevent similar tragedies. He warned against purchasing gas from unscrupulous dealers selling leaking cylinders and urged authorities to crack down on them.
“We must be careful not to leave lit jikos or open gas unattended. Some of these incidents can be avoided,” he said.
