Thika sub-county Children Officer Rebecca Kariuki has advised parents in Thika against locking their small children inside the houses while away from home terming it as risky.
Speaking in her Thika office on Thursday following an incident where eight months old baby burnt to death in Kiandutu slums on Tuesday, Kariuki said that parents should move with their smaller ones or leave them under the care of their trustworthy neighbours.
"We have never been for the idea of locking small children inside the house. If you have to go move with your kid or leave them to a good neighbour. They are exposed to very many dangers when they are locked indoors," Kariuki said.
Kariuki said slum areas are more vulnerable to electric fires or fires from cooking stoves and jikos which may spread in a matter of minutes to the neighbourhoods.
"People living in densely populated areas like the slums should be more careful especially during this season when the weather is dry. Children should also be taught on the dangers of house fires and how they can help rescue their younger siblings in case of fire outbreaks when their parents are away," said Kariuki.
The deceased baby is said to have been locked in the house while the mother was away at another section of the slum where she hawks clothes.