A wave of unease has swept through the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) following the Ministry of Defense’s decision to terminate the exchequer-funded lunch subsidy program for its disciplined forces, effective July 1, 2025.
In a memo obtained by Kisasa News, Major General Mohammed Nur Hassan cited inefficiencies and ineffectiveness within the current lunch subsidy system as the primary reason for the policy shift. The new directive mandates the implementation of a “pay-as-you-eat” (PAYE) system, requiring service members to pay for their meals directly.
The directive, communicated in a memo dated January 17, 2025, outlined that a special committee had reviewed the merits and demerits of the subsidy program before presenting its findings to the Service Commanders Committee. This committee, comprising commanders from the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy, convened on October 29, 2024, and endorsed the transition to the PAYE system.
The memo further instructed service commanders to implement cashless payment systems, including M-Pesa Paybill numbers, to facilitate seamless meal payments and bookings. The systems are expected to be operational by March 31, 2025, ahead of the program’s launch in July.
“This decision aims to enhance accountability and efficiency while offering flexibility and a variety of meal options for service members. The PAYE system aligns with best military practices regionally and internationally,” read the memo.
While the ministry estimates savings of Ksh. 2-3 billion annually under the new system, the move has sparked anxiety among KDF personnel, particularly junior officers, who will now bear the financial burden of meal costs.
Defending the decision, the Ministry of Defense argued that the existing exchequer-funded lunch program was not cost-effective, limited meal variety, and caused inefficiencies, such as long queues and duplication of ration scales for personnel on rotational duties.
“The funds previously allocated to the lunch subsidy will be redirected to improve messing facility infrastructure and enhance catering services,” the ministry stated.
Introduced in 2000, the ration cash allowance initially replaced provisions for breakfast and dinner. Although the allowance has been periodically reviewed to cushion personnel against inflation, the scrapping of the lunch subsidy marks a significant shift in the KDF’s feeding program.
As the Ministry of Defense rolls out the new system, it remains to be seen how this policy will impact the morale and welfare of service members tasked with safeguarding the nation.
Traditionally, disciplined forces in the region are provided with free meals while on duty to ensure security and operational efficiency. The new directive marks a departure from this practice, raising questions about its potential impact on morale and readiness.
Opposition to the move has also emerged from the public, with some branding the decision a betrayal of those who risk their lives to defend the nation. “Cutting KDF subsidies is a betrayal of those who put their lives on the line for our country. Neglecting soldiers’ welfare while preaching patriotism is hypocritical. Hungry soldiers, broken morale, weaker defense. Kenya deserves better,” one critic said.
The KDF leadership has urged service commanders to finalize preparations and submit a status report by February 15, 2025, to ensure the rollout is on track. Whether the new system will address inefficiencies without compromising the welfare of Kenya’s disciplined forces remains to be seen.
