In a major shift that’s stirring debate online, the Kenya Defence Forces has officially scrapped the long-standing direct cash meal allowance for its personnel. From now on, soldiers based in peacetime barracks will pay for their meals under a new Pay-As-You-Eat system, either through direct salary deductions or cash payments at the mess halls.

The decision ends a subsidy that many might have taken for granted but not everyone is against it.

Experts argue that for years the burden has weighed heavily on common mwananchi, including those who aren’t formally employed. Some netizens seems not to take an issue with the move coming from the authority per say. Others argue that Kenya belongs to all of us, and its development must be a shared responsibility.

But concerns remain. This shift could impact morale and daily life for KDF personnel, especially junior officers. It's important to monitor how affordable and fair the Pay-As-You-Eat system really is in practice.

Is this a step towards fairness or a quiet cut to essential support? Should soldiers, who already serve the nation, now foot their own meal bills?