Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Ketter on Wednesday held his first baraza with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel stationed at Ngao Gardens in Nairobi, focusing on the newly launched Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) programme and reinforcing the military’s commitment to the well-being of its soldiers.
Addressing service members, Lt Gen Ketter praised the progress of the PAYE initiative, which officially began on July 1, 2025.
The programme replaces the state-funded lunch system with a soldier-centric model that allows personnel to select and pay for meals of their choice using a mobile booking app.
“As you know, the meal allowance is the same across all ranks, Officers and Service Personnel.
The PAYE programme puts you at the centre of decision-making about meals that suit your preferences,” said the Commander.
“We understand that in today’s world, individual food choices are highly personal and influenced by many factors.”
He emphasized that the Kenya Defence Forces remain firmly committed to the welfare of their personnel, stating that well-being directly impacts operational readiness and institutional integrity.
Lt Gen Ketter also clarified several concerns surrounding the new system.
He assured the troops that meal allowances would not be deducted from their payslips and dismissed rumours that the allowances would be routed through the Defence Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (DESACCO), calling such claims “false and reckless.”
The PAYE programme is part of a broader shift by the Ministry of Defence, which has scrapped the state-funded lunch programme in peacetime barracks.
Soldiers stationed in non-operational environments will now pay for their own meals, while those in active duty zones or training will continue to receive meals funded by the government.
The new system aims to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and provide more food options, according to the Ministry.
Lt Gen Ketter urged personnel to embrace the PAYE system and take full advantage of the mobile app designed for seamless booking and payment.
He also pledged continuous improvement of camp cafeterias to ensure smooth access and high-quality service.
Reinforcing his leadership philosophy, Lt Gen Ketter highlighted discipline, integrity, and adaptability as the cornerstones of military success.
“A supportive culture shall continually inform KDF policies and decision-making processes to ensure your needs are sufficiently met, allowing you to concentrate solely on your primary duty: defence and protection of Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of the service members and encouraged them to stay mission-ready by upholding the highest standards of conduct and mutual support.
The Army Commander concluded by reaffirming that the KDF remains dedicated to a soldier-first approach, anchored in efficient resource use, adaptive leadership, and a focus on achieving decisive outcomes in operational theatres.
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