Gov’t to start aerial spraying to contain locusts

The government will on Satuday start aerial spraying to contain locusts in affected areas in the Northern Kenya region.

Speaking during an address on Saturday, Government Spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna said 3000 litres of chemicals have so far been dispersed to the affected counties for use in the activity.

Col. Oguna added that ground teams had also been deployed to monitor the various affected areas and to create awareness to local communities.

“These teams will, in addition, also undertake survey and guide aerial spraying teams,” he said.

“Additionally, distribution of handheld sprayers together with protective gears have also been done to the counties of Marsabit, Wajir and Isiolo. The chemicals that will be used to spray have been tested, registered and authorized for the control of locusts hence not harmful if used according to the guidelines that have been issued.”

The Government Spokesman further sought to assure Kenyans that the locust menace has been contained hence they should go about their businesses as usual.

On December 18, 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned that locusts would invade countries within the Horn of Africa.

A statement on their website further cautioned that the situation could worsen if not controlled by national authorities.

The locust invasion was first reported in Somalia, which then spread to Northern Kenya.

FAO has warned that the locusts could increase towards the end of January.