Kenyan soldiers conducting a security operation in Nairobi. (Photo: AFP)
Kenyan military personnel continue to face economic hardship due to low wages and government neglect. Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, a former Secretary-General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, has raised concerns over the financial struggles of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) members, urging the government to improve their salaries and working conditions.
“The current minimum salary for a KDF recruit is Kshs 7,172, which is barely enough to survive on,” Dr. Kinity states. “This amount is far below what is needed to meet basic living expenses in Kenya to
He compares the wages of Kenyan soldiers with those in neighbouring East African countries, pointing out the stark contrast in earnings.
“In Tanzania, a soldier earns a minimum of Tsh 1,050,050, which translates to about $413. Meanwhile, in Burundi and Rwanda, military personnel receive approximately $178 and $170, respectively,” he explains. “Yet Kenya, with a more stable currency, pays its soldiers far less.”
Dr. Kinity also highlights the disparity between military and civil servant salaries, noting that the lowest-paid government workers earn at least double what a new army recruit receives.
“The minimum Soldierssalary of a civil servant is two times that of an army officer,” he observes. “This is an injustice to those who put their lives on the line to protect the country.”
He criticizes the Kenyan government for prioritizing political leaders over the welfare of its military personnel.
“While politicians enjoy hefty salaries, allowances, and benefits, soldiers are struggling to afford basic needs,” Dr. Kinity says. “The recent decision by President William Ruto’s administration to cut certain military allowances has only made things worse.”
He condemns the leadership for being out of touch with the struggles of soldiers, calling for urgent intervention.
“How can a government that spends billions on luxury for politicians ignore the suffering of those who defend the country?” he asks. “It is heartbreaking to see soldiers living in poverty while leaders waste resources on unnecessary extravagance.”
Dr. Kinity proposes a significant salary adjustment, arguing that soldiers should be paid a minimum of Kshs 65,000 ($507) to sustain a decent standard of living.
“A reasonable salary would be at least Kshs 65,000. This would allow soldiers to cover basic needs such as rent, food, and medical expenses,” he states.
He further attributes the poor treatment of soldiers to corruption and mismanagement, calling it a betrayal of those who serve the nation.
“It is ironic that those who loot public funds without shame are the ones deciding these unfair policies,” he remarks. “Denying soldiers a livable wage and a platform to advocate for their rights is unacceptable.”
Dr. Kinity urges Kenyans to demand better governance and accountability, stressing the need for reforms to address the mistreatment of military personnel.
“It is time for Kenyans to stand up and demand change. Our soldiers deserve better,” he asserts. “They should be allowed to form unions to fight for their rights, just like other workers in the country.Says Dr Kinity.
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