NAIROBI January 18, 2006 (REUTERS) - Britain will provide three million pounds (US$5.3 million) for drought relief in Kenya where several million people are threatened by starvation, the Kenyan government said on Tuesday.

British aid minister, Hilary Benn, who is currently visiting Kenya , also announced that Britain would donate 55 million pounds towards primary education in the east African nation.

The government says lack of rain for three consecutive years has left 2.5 million people near starvation, prompting President Mwai Kibaki to declare the drought a national disaster.

A total of six million people are at risk across east Africa, with Somalia and Ethiopia worst hit after Kenya .

One third of the three million pounds will be channelled into famine relief, while two thirds will be used on the provision of water in drought-stricken areas.

Benn is expected to visit the remote northeastern district of Wajir later on Tuesday.

The area has already reported eight fatalities, although health officials say the number is likely to be higher because it is remote and medical facilities are sparse.

The government says it is taking adequate measures to ensure food reaches those in need, but food distribution efforts are facing challenges.

Since appeals for food aid in December, aid agencies say the response has been slow.

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