Nairobi, June 30- Starting Tuesday, July 1, members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will begin footing the bill for their own meals as the government rolls out a Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) system, officially ending the long-standing exchequer-funded lunch program.
A letter from the Kenya Army Headquarters, signed by Chief of Logistics Brig. Eric Nzioki Kitusya, confirmed the shift and outlined plans to launch the program using “seed capital” sourced from existing ration allocations. The funds are expected to establish a revolving fund, managed by special committees at each unit.
The Ministry of Defence defended the move, saying it is aimed at improving efficiency, cutting costs, and aligning with “best military practices regionally and internationally.”
“The exchequer-funded lunch program has proved non-cost-effective and inconvenient,” the Ministry said in a statement, citing issues like long queues, duplicated rations, and inflexible meal schedules.
While the change is being framed as a modernization effort, it has sparked concern especially among lower-ranking officers, who heavily rely on subsidized meals. Critics argue the transition could strain soldiers’ already limited allowances.
The new PAYE system encourages units to use existing kitchen and dining infrastructure. Additional needs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis during the 2025/2026 financial year, the ministry said.
Since the year 2000, KDF personnel have received ration allowances to cover breakfast and dinner after those meals were removed from the standard provision. The lunch program had remained the last subsidized meal until now.
