This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Published on May 22, 2020, the World Bank approved a $43 million (Ksh4.5 billion) loan to Kenya to combat locust swarms destroying crops in Eastern Africa.
The loan is part of a $129.5 million package for Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Uganda, aimed at helping the countries combat the locust invasion.
Locust numbers exploded late last year, encouraged by unusual weather patterns amplified by climate change, and the swarms spread eastwards from Yemen, with Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia being the hardest hit.
"Without immediate intervention, the locust attack could lead to a deterioration in food security towards the end of 2020 and possible rise in food prices," said World Bank Country Director for Kenya Felipe Jaramillo.
The loan, which comes with a five-year grace period, will be used for surveillance, and buying pesticides.
Kenya is facing the worst desert locust invasion in 70 years, which has affected the already vulnerable northern region of the country.
