Lieutenant General David Ketter, the Commander of the Kenya Army, has firmly dismissed claims that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has stopped offering free lunches to its soldiers.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 23, during his first official address (baraza) to personnel at the Kenya Army Headquarters in Ngao Gardens, Nairobi, Ketter responded to growing concerns surrounding the newly introduced Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) programme.
Recent reports had caused anxiety among service members and the public, with many believing that the new PAYE system—rolled out on July 1—was a covert way of removing the lunch benefit previously provided to KDF personnel.
Rumors also alleged that money was now being deducted from soldiers’ payslips to fund meals, a move some feared would negatively affect their morale and well-being.
However, Lt Gen Ketter strongly refuted these reports, reassuring all KDF members that their lunch allowances remain intact.
He clarified that there are no deductions being made on soldiers’ payslips, nor are any funds being funneled through the Defence Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (DESACCO), as had been falsely reported in some quarters.
“There is no intention whatsoever to cut lunch allowances or deduct them through DESACCO,” Ketter stated. “The PAYE model is designed to offer soldiers more freedom and personal choice when it comes to meals. It’s not a cutback, it’s a step forward.”
He explained that in the modern world, dietary preferences vary widely due to personal, religious, and health reasons, and the KDF respects that diversity. The PAYE initiative allows every soldier—regardless of rank—to choose meals that suit their taste and lifestyle.
“Meal allowances remain the same across all ranks, both officers and service personnel,” he said. “We want our troops to make decisions that reflect their preferences without being forced into one-size-fits-all meals.”
In response to reports of some soldiers skipping meals due to perceived payslip reductions, the Commander reassured the force that their salaries have not been tampered with. He urged troops to make use of the KDF’s new mobile app, which enables them to book and pay for meals easily and transparently.
Additionally, Ketter promised continued improvement of the dining facilities within all military camps, ensuring that cafeterias offer quick and efficient services through seamless walk-in and walk-out access.
The Commander used the baraza not only to clarify the PAYE confusion but also to build rapport with his personnel. He shared his leadership values, emphasizing that discipline, integrity, and professionalism remain the cornerstones of service excellence in the Kenya Defence Forces.
In conclusion, KDF soldiers can rest easy—lunch is still on the table. The PAYE system, according to the top brass, is simply a more flexible, modern approach to feeding the force.
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