Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers serving in peacekeeping missions, operational areas, and those in training will not be affected by the newly introduced pay-as-you-eat meal policy, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has told Parliament.

Speaking before the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Tuya said the policy, which took effect on July 1, applies only to specific personnel, and all exempted groups will continue receiving meals without payment.

She explained that the change was implemented after consultations with affected stakeholders, adding that it was not a new idea but an adjustment to an existing system.

“The pay-as-you-eat policy is not new. It has been in place before, what has changed is the substitution of free lunch with this internally managed system. Public participation was sufficiently done internally,” she said.

The matter was raised by Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchori, who questioned how the programme was being rolled out and whether it was hurting morale. “How is it being done? Is it affecting our soldiers’ morale?” Kanchori asked. Tuya dismissed such fears, saying personnel under the new arrangement were now receiving higher allowances.

Under the revised system, soldiers are required to pay for meals either in cash or through salary deductions. The Ministry says the policy is aimed at improving efficiency, cutting waste, and ensuring cost-effectiveness in military food services.

The ration cash allowance system was first introduced in 2000 when breakfast and dinner provisions were scrapped. Lunch subsidies ended this month, marking the start of direct meal payments.

Commanders have been instructed to use existing communication channels to guide units on the policy’s implementation, with any additional requirements to be addressed in the current financial year.

A June 23 directive from Kenya Army headquarters, signed by Chief of Logistics Brigadier Eric Nzioki Kitusya, set out the roll-out plan.

“The implementation of the subject programme is scheduled to commence on 01 July 2025. In this regard, authority is granted to you to demand for Ration Scale Four (4) for fourteen (14) days with effect from 1st July 2025 for use as seed capital for the program. Your demands to reach this Headquarters not later than 25th June 2025,” the letter stated.

It further instructed that proceeds from the 14-day ration demand would be used to establish a revolving fund to sustain the meal system. Military units have been told to use their current kitchens and dining facilities for the roll-out.