Persons entrusted with handling relief money or goods found culpable of misusing them risk Sh10 million fines if Senate passes a new Bill tabled on Wednesday.
The Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2018 sponsored by Senators Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) also proposes Parliament to set up of a special Fund to deal with disasters in the country.
“A person who being entrusted with any money or materials or otherwise being in custody of money or goods meant for providing relief during a disaster appropriates…for the person’s own use…or compels another person to misappropriate the money or goods…”
“…commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ten million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to both.”
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Numerous victims of disasters such as starvation caused by drought, fire and floods have been complaining of not receiving relief goods and necessary materials donated by the government and well-wishers for distribution by public officers.
The passage and enactment of this Bill would therefore address the challenge some public officers entrusted with the distribution of relief goods from enriching themselves and their allies at the expense of victims.
The Bill seeks to establish a Disaster Management Fund to be under the National Disaster Risk Management Authority coordinating disaster issues both at the national and county levels.
“The main premise of the Bill is to approach disaster risk management in a manner that seeks to respond effectively and in a timely manner to any disaster or risk of disaster, prevent the adverse effects of disaster, recover as far as possible, the livelihood of communities affected by a disaster,” reads part of the bill.
The creation of the special Fund and Authority to coordinate the disasters in the country would also compliment the work of Redcross of coming to the rescue of disaster victims.
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However, the counties and national governments set aside billions of shillings in the Emergency kitty every financial year to cater for various cases that require immediate interventions including disasters.
National Assembly will be required to allocate money every financial year to the Disaster Management Fund apart from receiving additional funding from other sources including donors and well-wishers.
“The object of the Fund shall be to provide funds to be used for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery measures,” reads the Bill awaiting debate when senators resume from a one-month recess early next month.
The proposed law also seeks to slap a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or a jail term below one year for a person found culpable of making or circulating false alarm for a disaster knowingly.