This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 24, 2019, a locust invasion was reported in Rongai Sub County, with several maize farms in Ogilgei, Sumet, Ex-Margaret, Turi, and Waidai locations affected.
According to a spot check carried out by The Standard, the most affected farms were in these locations. Residents have expressed fears of destruction caused by the locusts.
Samson Mutiga, a resident from Ex-Margaret, stated that the insects swarmed several farms early in the month. He expressed concern that the locusts would eventually destroy their farms, as they feed on Napier grass and maize.
Despite efforts to clear the grass around their crops and spray them with insecticides, the locusts continued to breed in the farms. Raymond Ng'eno, another farmer, reported that locust swarms attacked his farm at Ogilgei last week, leaving him counting losses.
Rongai sub-county agricultural officer Hannah Odour stated that her office was yet to establish the extent of the destruction and the acres of farms infested. However, she confirmed that extension officers had been deployed to the affected areas to assist the farmers.
