Kenyans Face Ksh1 Million Fine If Caught Lying To Receive Govt Help
A Ksh1 million fine will be imposed on Kenyans who fabricate disaster relief claims if the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, which is led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, is approved by Parliament.
The purpose of the bill is to improve the coordination and efficacy of disaster preparedness, prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery.
Amid El Nino precipitation, the Kenyan government is considering a variety of assistance programs, including the provision of financial aid to those in need.
Additionally, the government intends to assist Kenyans through the reconstruction and restoration of damaged property.
The substantial penalties are imposed to deter Kenyan citizens from exploiting the National Disaster Risk Management Authority by submitting fraudulent claims to obtain material assistance.
“A person who knowingly makes a claim which the person knows or has reason to believe to be false, to obtain any relief, assistance, repair, reconstruction or another benefit from the Authority, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both,” the Bill states in part.
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Furthermore, individuals from Kenya who incite panic by issuing an inaccurate warning regarding the severity or magnitude of a disaster are subject to criminal liability and a fine of Ksh1 million.
Tuesday, November 28, one day after President William Ruto declared mitigation measures to address El Nino, the Bill was the subject of parliamentary debate.
With the announcement that 38 counties had been impacted by excessive rainfall, the government issued an urgent appeal for aid to the households that had been affected.
Particularly in Wajir, the government intends to airlift medical supplies valued at Ksh180 million to the counties impacted.
Furthermore, County Governments received Ksh10 billion from the National Treasury in the form of divisible revenue, which will be allocated towards the provision of emergency relief.
Those members of the public who are apprehended lying to obtain medical aid or any other material assistance will face legal consequences should the bill be enacted.
Kenyans Face Ksh1 Million Fine If Caught Lying To Receive Govt Help
