Offenders set to pay crime victims for economic losses

Persons responsible for crimes will be required to compensate their victims should President Uhuru Kenyatta sign into law a Bill adopted Wednesday by Parliament.

The MPs approved the Victims Protection Bill through its third reading with amendments that would require offenders to first compensate their victims before settling court fines.

The Bill, which gives effect to Article 50 (9) of the Constitution, is sponsored by Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo and now awaits the President’s signature to become law.

If the Bill is signed into law, victims of crime will have a right to compensation from the offender for economic loss, personal injury, damage to property, medical costs and psychological treatment.

“Subject to limitations and conditions set out in this Act, the victim has a right to compensation by the offender for economic loss occasioned by the offence,” a new clause 13(A) states.

The law provides that compensation made against convicted offender may be enforced as a judgment in civil proceedings. This means that offenders could have their property auctioned or face jail.

A fund and board will facilitate defence of victims of crime, manage protection cash and oversee implementation of protection and rehabilitation.

MPs made changes to ensure that victims of abuse enjoy the right to privacy and confidentiality to the media and health professionals.

It empowers police officers to arrest and detain suspects of domestic violence without a warrant of arrest. The courts will also be at liberty to issue protection orders to victims without their judicial application.

The Bill also makes provisions for children to make applications for protection by the court.