Beginning Tuesday, July 1, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers will start footing the bill for their meals under a newly introduced Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) system, effectively ending the long-running government-subsidised lunch program.
In a letter dated June 23 and signed by Brigadier Eric Nzioki Kitusya, Chief of Logistics at the Kenya Army Headquarters, military units were directed to begin implementing the program with immediate effect. The letter granted authority to demand Ration Scale Four for 14 days as seed capital to support the rollout.
“The proceeds from the seed capital will form a self-sustaining revolving fund administered by PAYE Management Committees,” the communication read, emphasizing the need to use existing infrastructure for the transition.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the shift, citing the need for greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with modern military practices both regionally and globally.
“This decision allows for flexibility, reduces time lost in queues, and eliminates ration duplication when officers are reassigned to different camps,” the ministry stated.
While the ministry argues that the system will improve access to a wider variety of meals based on individual preference, the policy has sparked discontent among lower-ranked officers, many of whom rely heavily on subsidized meals due to lower income levels.
Introduced in 2000, ration cash allowances replaced breakfast and dinner provisions, with lunch being the only remaining meal provided under the exchequer-funded system. The allowance has been reviewed several times to keep pace with inflation.
The Ministry of Defence has assured personnel that additional support needs will be reviewed progressively during the 2025/2026 financial year, depending on emerging requirements. However, concerns remain over whether the new PAYE system could place a heavier financial burden on lower-ranked servicemen and women.
