Exhibit (j)

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We  consent  to  the  reference  to  our  firm  under  the  captions  "Financial
Highlights" and "Independent  Auditors and Reports to  Shareholders"  and to the
use of our report dated  October 18, 2000 in the  Registration  Statement  (Form
N-1A) of Kemper  Short-Term  U.S.  Government  Fund,  and its  incorporation  by
reference in the related  prospectus and statement of additional  information of
Kemper Income Funds,  filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission in this
Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  22  to  the  Registration  Statement  under  the
Securities  Act of 1933 (File No.  33-14832) and in this Amendment No. 23 to the
Registration  Statement  under  the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940  (File No.
811-5195).


                                /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
December 22, 2000