The desert locusts which had invaded parts of Kajiado County have now been contained.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Jackeline Koin said mitigation measures employed prior to the anticipated locust invasion were key in averting wanton destruction of crops and vegetation in the affected areas.
She confirmed on Wednesday that desert locusts which were mature and at egg laying phase have since migrated to unknown areas outside the County.
“Our officers on the ground will maintain close vigilance on the affected areas to see if the nymphs will re-emerge for ground spraying to be effected,” said Koin.
She added that less than five per cent of vegetation cover in the affected areas was destroyed by the locusts. The swarms were roosting on specific trees on arrival and feeding on indigenous trees locally known as Oiti, Olkirigitu, Olngarooti, Orpanti, Org’osua and Oltepesi.
Koin urged members of the public to report any new sightings to the local administration for further action as the County Government continues with surveillance.
The CEC intimated that Kajiado County has been selected among other counties that will benefit from a USAID capacity building program on pest management adding youth from different Wards will also be recruited and trained on pest management.
Desert locust invasion in the County was first reported on February 7th, 2020 in Dalalekutuk and Matapato North Ward with one swarm originating from Oloibelbel splitting into three that flew to Pilewa, Oloomunyi and Malilima areas.
The swarms first sighted in December in three counties have now invaded over 20 counties with the government resorting to aerial spraying of pesticides in a bid to contain them.
By Rop Janet
