A devastating infestation of fall armyworms has been reported in maize farms across the North Rift region, causing significant losses to farmers.
West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi Counties have been affected, with the pests destroying maize plantations in various areas. The situation has left farmers in a precarious position, with many fearing they will lose their investment due to the high cost of inputs.
Some farmers have resorted to using unconventional methods to control the spread of the worms, including soil, detergents, and pepper. However, these methods have proven ineffective, and the situation continues to deteriorate.
Mr. Joseph Koduu from Lokitonyala lamented the destruction of large maize farms by the fall armyworms, while Lokitonyala chief Mr. Faustino Longora reported that the pests had destroyed maize and beans on acres.
Efforts to get comments from West Pokot Agriculture Executive Mr. Evans Menach were futile, as his calls went unanswered.
In Uasin Gishu, the pests have been reported in Sergoit and Kerendile areas in Moiben sub-County. Mr. Adams Keitany, a farmer in Sergoit, appealed to the county and national governments to intervene before it is too late.
Mr. Tony Rotich said more than 100 acres of maize locally had been infested by the worms, and despite farmers rushing to spray the affected farms using common pesticides, the worms resurfaced.
Mr. Samuel Yego, the Uasin Gishu Executive for Agriculture, said the worms invaded whenever the rains subsided and urged farmers to report whenever they spotted the insects.
In Nandi County, Mr. Henry Chumba, a maize farmer from Aldai, said the pests posed a menace annually, especially for the past five years, and opted to plant short-season crops like sorghum, millet, and vegetables.
Mr. Simeon Mutai, the County Director for Agriculture, confirmed that majority of farmers at risk of making losses were those who planted late and reported that the county had supplied more than 1,500 farmers with insecticides to mitigate the losses.
