The Kenya Defence Forces is mulling scrapping the free lunch subsidy for the disciplined officers and instead have them pay for their meals.
The new system is set to commence on July 1, after the current financial year. In a memo, KDF says soldiers would be paying for their lunch through a subsidised Pay-As-You-Eat programme.
Past attempts to have them pay have failed.
“Note that the PAYE system is scheduled to become operational on July 1, 2025. As such you are required to fast-track preparations and guidance.”
“Accordingly, you are required to update and liaise with DHQ Insp who are to prepare a status report to be submitted to this HQ not later than February 15, 2025,” the memo reads.
The communication dated January 17 and signed by M N Hassan will now mean that officers will now part with a fraction of their salary to cater to their lunch or source cheaper options outside the barracks.
The proposed system is a product of a committee that has been looking into the transition since October last year.
The committee’s mandate was to develop and recommend modalities for the successful implementation strategy of the system following consultations with various stakeholders.
The panel submitted its recommendations to the Service Commanders Committee Meeting (SCCM) on 29th October 2024.
“A subsequent presentation on 17 December 2024 outlined the implementation strategy and timelines for the PAYE system, which were reviewed and deliberated.”
Hassan noted the shift in the policy is necessitated by the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the former system.
“To ensure a seamless transition and effective implementation of the PAYE system, roll out a comprehensive sensitisation programme for all service personnel to enhance understanding of the PAYE system,” the memo reads.
The communication also tasked middle-level military bosses to put in place a secure payment method ahead of the rollout that is five months away.
“Collaborate with CISMIC to implement secure, convenient and cost-effective cashless payment systems, such as M-Pesa paybill numbers and quick data processing machines.”
“The system to be deployed NLT March 31, 2025, to facilitate meal bookings and payments, ensuring efficiency.”
Military personnel of lower ranks normally depend on the subsidy programme and the new directive will mean fiscal adjustment to their already stretched payslips.
Some have already committed their salaries to loans and may be disadvantaged if the system is rolled out.
It is always a tradition in the region to have disciplined officers supplied with free meals while on duty
to avoid predisposing them to security risks as a result
of eating outside.
