afrol News, 26 January - 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 Sh100 million (US$1.3 million) meant for the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme is believed to have been stolen or diverted to other use by senior Education ministry officials.

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 December, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of mismanagement and massive fraud of funds at the Ministry of Education.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, President 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.

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.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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