Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers will start to pay for their meals after the government’s decision to scrap the exchequer-funded food subsidy program.
The government has introduced a Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) system, which will take effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
The new policy replaces the traditional subsidized lunch program and requires KDF soldiers to either pay in cash for meals or have the cost deducted from their monthly salaries.
KDF officers to start paying for their food. Photo: Courtesy.
In a letter dated June 23, 2025, Kenya Army Chief of Logistics Brigadier Eric Nzioki Kitusya announced the implementation of the new program.
Nzioki went on to note that funds generated from the 14-day ration demand would be used to establish a revolving fund to sustain the new meal system.
Moreover, Nzioki urged KDF officers to utilize their existing kitchens and dining facilities to support the PAYE program.
The end of the exchequer-funded food subsidy program has reportedly sparked discontent among some junior military officers, who had been relying on the amid the tough economic times.
