Controversy Arises as DoD Makes KDF Officers Keep Unspent Meal Allowances
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a new "Pay-As-You-Eat" (PAYE) policy, effective from July 1, 2025, ending the previous system of free or subsidised lunch meals for soldiers. Under this policy, soldiers are now required to pay directly for meals either through cash or a newly developed mobile app for meal booking and payment.
However, the policy has been met with initial reports and widespread discontent, with some soldiers expressing concern over lunch money being forcibly deducted from their salaries and converted into savings locked in a military-managed app. These reports have been officially refuted by the Kenya Army Commander, Lieutenant General David Ketter, who clarified that the KDF will not deduct lunch allowances directly from soldiers' payslips nor channel them through the Defence Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (DESACCO).
Instead, the policy involves a mobile app for voluntary booking and payment of meals, intended to give soldiers choice and improve cafeteria services. The Commander emphasised KDF’s commitment to personnel welfare and operational effectiveness, assuring ongoing improvements in camp cafeteria conditions.
The policy's implementation has led to several impacts, including financial concerns and morale issues among junior officers who have lost a significant benefit from subsidised meals. Initial confusion and unrest among troops have also been reported, with some barracks boycotting meals due to uncertainty.
Despite the official clarification, reactions among soldiers have been largely negative, with many seeing the policy as forced salary deductions and a loss of financial autonomy. There has been pushback from junior ranks who are dependent on subsidies, and some troops have resorted to packing food from home due to the new policy.
Legal implications of the policy are yet to be fully analysed, but the controversy suggests potential rights concerns around salary deductions without consent. The military leadership’s clarification seems intended to prevent legal disputes by emphasising voluntary use of the app and denying forced deductions.
The Department of Defence has notified KDF members that unused lunch money deducted from their salaries will be converted into savings, and starting August, lunch allowances are being processed through DESACCO. The fund will be managed by PAYE committees at every unit, base, and formation, with the aim of making military kitchens self-reliant and independent of state support.
The policy has stirred growing resentment within the ranks due to the ongoing Pay-As-You-Eat policy and perceived exposure to Kenya Kwanza's austerity reforms. Mess halls that once buzzed with conversation now stand half-empty, and some troops skip meals altogether due to the perceived humiliation of the system.
Brigadier Eric Nzioka Kitusya has referred to the withheld funds as "seed capital" for a revolving mess fund, and the policy is now enforced through the Defence Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (DESACCO). The proceeds of the seed capital are envisaged to form a self-sustaining revolving fund.
Despite the controversy, the KDF's leadership remains committed to maintaining order and welfare among personnel, and the policy is being enforced regardless of whether a soldier eats or not. Meals must now be booked through the KDF Booking Meal app, with half of the lunch allowance locked into the meal app and cannot be accessed until the end of the month. The messing facilities will be overseen by PAYE management committees established at FMN/Base/Unit levels.
- The new "Pay-As-You-Eat" (PAYE) policy in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has prompted concerns among soldiers, as they worry about their lunch money being deducted from their salaries and converted into savings locked in the Defence Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (DESACCO) without their consent.
- The implementation of the PAYE policy has caused financial and morale issues among junior officers, who have lost a significant benefit from subsidised meals, and has led to growing resentment within the ranks due to perceived exposure to Kenya Kwanza's austerity reforms.
