KDF COMMANDER DAVID KETER CLARIFIES END OF FREE LUNCH FOR SOLDIERS

Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Kipkemboi Keter has clarified the recent move by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to stop offering free lunch to soldiers, stating that the decision is part of a broader reform aimed at improving financial accountability and operational efficiency.
Speaking during a briefing at Defence Headquarters, Lt. Gen. Keter explained that the long-running free lunch program will be replaced with a Pay-As-You-Eat (PAYE) system, which has already been piloted successfully in selected units.
“This is not about cutting support to our soldiers. It’s about ensuring sustainability, accountability, and better service delivery,” Keter said.
Under the new system, soldiers will pay subsidized rates for their meals, with the government still footing part of the cost. The commander emphasized that no soldier will go without food, as proper structures have been put in place to ensure continued access to quality meals.
The clarification comes amid public speculation and concerns over the welfare of service members following reports of the lunch program’s termination. Keter reassured both military personnel and the public that the welfare of soldiers remains a key priority, noting that additional reforms are underway to improve accommodation, healthcare, and financial support systems within the force.
The move is part of ongoing modernization efforts within the KDF to streamline logistics and eliminate wasteful expenditure.