US government has suspended Kenya’s education aid

The US government has suspended a five-year plan to fund Kenya’s education programs following fraud allegation in the east African state.

Up to US$1.3 million meant for the Free Primary Education (FPE) program is believed to have been stolen or diverted to other use by senior Education ministry officials.

When Kenya started the program in 2003, it earned praise across the world because more than 1 million children who had never been to school enrolled.

Kenya’s Finance Ministry audited the program late last year and found the funds missing. Britain announced in December it was suspending its funding of the program.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, President Mwai Kibaki said all other relevant authorities including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) should take up the matter and ensure those alleged to have stolen funds are prosecuted and the money is recovered.