A locust infestation in the Horn of Africa has spread to eastern Kenya, where farmers are fearful of crop losses.
Swarms have been spotted in Kenya's Isiolo county and Meru county - the latter region famous for producing the stimulant plant khat, though it is not known if the locusts are partial to those leaves.
Over the last two months, the infestation has affected several states in Ethiopia and has seen farmers lose nearly 100% of their crops, according to the UN.
The desert locusts have also devoured crops and pasture in Somalia, where insecurity has made it difficult to use aeroplanes for the aerial spraying of pesticides.
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said a number of large immature swarms reached the arid region of north-eastern Kenya on 28 December.
In Meru, a local chief, Romano Muchiri, told Kenya’s private Daily Nation newspaper that he had seen wingless locusts feeding on shrubs – this means they are recently hatched hoppers or nymphs.
Isiolo County Commissioner Narman Shambi told the newspaper that the swarms had covered and area of up to 3,000 sq km (1,158 sq miles).
Residents have appealed for help to save their harvests.
Earlier this week, the government announced the beginning of aerial spraying of the locusts in the northern counties of Wajir and Marsabit.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Dreams FC denies allegations of attempting to sign Najeeb Yakubu
23 mins -
Election 2024: ‘Right to free and fair elections non-negotiable’ – Akufo-Addo
28 mins -
Kurt Okraku took out my passport from the U23 squad that travelled to Japan – Najeeb Yakubu alleges
38 mins -
Where hope fails: Ghana’s decaying home for the destitute
48 mins -
NDC Mining Committee for 2024 campaign refutes allegations of recruiting thugs for elections
58 mins -
Traction Control: A lifesaver with an off switch? Here’s why it exists
1 hour -
I don’t need anyman to woo me with money – Miss Malaika 2024 winner refutes pimping claims
1 hour -
”Kurt Okraku sabotaged my national team career because I refused to sign with Dreams FC” – Najeeb Yakubu
1 hour -
Businesses urged to leverage Generative AI for enhanced customer engagement
1 hour -
MultiChoice Ghana partners with Ghana Hotels Association to elevate guest entertainment
1 hour -
Bawumia’s music streaming app or Mahama’s pay-per-view TV channel?
1 hour -
Karpowership Ghana empowers 40 Takoradi Technical University students with scholarship
1 hour -
We expect significant reduction in prices of petroleum products in coming weeks – CEO AOMC
2 hours -
Betway Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
2 hours -
I coined the term ‘hype man’ in Ghana – Merqury Quaye
2 hours