Mixed Reactions from Officers
While some officers see the shift as a way to improve food quality and choice, others have expressed concern over the impact on their already-stretched monthly earnings.
“The allowance was small but reliable. Now we have to track mess charges and deductions on top of other bills,” said one junior officer who requested anonymity.
The Kenya Government though Kenya Defence Forces -KDF, has officially scrapped the long-standing direct cash meal allowances for its personnel in a major policy shift aimed at overhauling the barracks feeding system.
Under the new “Pay-As-You-Eat” model, officers stationed in peacetime barracks will now be required to either pay in cash at mess halls or have meal costs automatically deducted from their monthly salaries.
This marks the end of the government-subsidized lunch program that has for decades ensured free or subsidized meals for KDF personnel as part of their daily allowances.
The move is expected to streamline feeding logistics and ensure accountability in food provision, especially during non-operational periods.
Some officers in anonymity, have been questioning President William Ruto’s policies that seem to affect negative all Kenyans across.
