This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On December 28, 2019, the first desert locusts crossed into Kenya, prompting a Desert Locust Control Operation. Four days later, Government Spokesman Rtd. Col. Cyrus Oguna revealed that a spray aircraft had been stationed in Wajir to deal with the menace.
According to Oguna, surveillance and monitoring activities had been heightened, and the Government was in full control of the situation. However, locusts were spotted in several parts of Meru County, including Ndumuru village in Ntunene ward and Kina Meru Kiutine.
Residents are now appealing to the government to intervene, fearing the locusts could destroy their crops and lead to a food crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organisation had warned on December 18 that locusts would invade countries within the Horn of Africa, including Kenya.
The desert locust can consume roughly its own weight in fresh food per day, which is about 2 grams per day. This means that about one tonne of locusts eat the same amount of food in one day as 2,500 people.
Locusts were first spotted in Meru County on January 9, 2020, sparking fears of invasion and potential food crisis.
