As Kenya seeks huge infusions of foreign aid -- not least to ease the effects of a searing drought that has put millions at risk of famine across east Africa -- Kibaki said corruption would not be tolerated.

"In order to enhance and preserve the integrity of the government in the eyes of the public, it is imperative that you act with honesty and impartiality," he told ministers and senior officials in his government.

"As leaders, you are expected to adhere to a new code of conduct and a management accountability framework that is intended to enhance collective responsibility, ethics and results in government," Kibaki said.

Donors and many Kenyans have accused Kibaki of failing to fight corruption, among his key campaign pledges when he was elected in 2002 ousting the graft-tainted 39-nine year regime of the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

Earlier Thursday, Kenyan newspapers reported that Kibaki had given the go-ahead to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) to probe three ministers allegedly tied to fraudulent tenders that cost the country millions.

The KACC, which has in the past been hamstrung by political opposition to its work, refused to confirm or deny the reports, but said several top officials, including ministers, would be investigated on numerous allegations.

Officials say some donors have been reluctant to respond to appeals for drought-relief assistance in part because of concerns about the Kibaki government's perceived inability or lack of interest in fighting corruption.

"The delay in responding to the presidential appeal on drought is directly linked to what many donors believe is his failure to deal with corruption," one government official told AFP.

Between 3.5 and four million Kenyans are estimated to be in dire need of assistance to avoid starvation, up from an earlier estimate of 2.5 million, and the government says it needs 263 million dollars (217 million euros) in emergency donor aid to fill a relief funding shortfall.

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