This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
Residents of Nakuru are facing a severe infestation of the Nairobi fly, a beetle that has been wreaking havoc in the past week.
According to Samuel King'ori, the county chief officer of public health, the insect's ant-like body contains a potent toxin that causes itching, a burning sensation, and swelling when crushed.
"Oh! It hurts. It's so itchy," complained Daniel Chege, a 26-year-old prisoner at the Nakuru GK Prison, whose neck was patched with a scab.
The Nairobi fly, scientifically known as Paederus crebinpunctatis and Paederus sabaeus, is common in the county, but its population has exploded this year due to unusually heavy rains, King'ori said.
Beatrice Kiprop, a resident of Kiamunyi estate, said she was forced to spray her home with chemicals after discovering that the insect had infested her house last week.
"I live on a farm and my house is surrounded by vegetation," she said, adding that she was compelled to contact the department of public health for advice.
The beetles breed in wet, rotting leaves and soil, and the extended breeding season caused by heavy rainfall has led to a significant increase in their population, King'ori said.
Public health officers have been spraying the Nakuru GK Prison and other affected areas, and preventive measures include clearing excess vegetation.
Sh750,000 has been allocated to purchase pesticides for spraying the "Nairobi fly" and bedbugs, King'ori said.
