This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
On January 10, 2020, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri sparked widespread criticism with his suggestion that Kenyans post pictures of insects on social media to confirm if they are locusts.
However, the locust invasion that was reported in Wajir, Mandera, and Moyale in late December 2019 remains a serious concern, with reports indicating that the locusts had been sighted at numerous sites within the three original counties and also in Meru and Isiolo counties.
Despite the deployment of aerial spraying in Wajir, more resources are needed to extend coverage to the other counties and slow down the rapid spread of the locusts, which multiply with astonishing speed.
Dr. Stephen Njoka, the director of the Desert Locust Control Organisation of East Africa, warned that the hostile terrain in the affected counties and the insecurity in neighboring Somalia multiply the complexity of confronting the locusts.
Entomologists have warned that rather than being subdued and confined to the areas in which they have been seen, the locusts are more likely to increase in number and spread to other counties, causing serious destruction of any crops in farms.
As the country continues to grapple with the locust invasion, it is essential to address the root causes of the problem and ensure that those responsible for spearheading the response are held accountable.
