Tsetse Fly Infestation Threatens 11m Lives in Western Kenya

Dr Gideon Nzau, chairman of The Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council, has called for a massive and collective campaign against the disease in the affected regions.

According to Nzau, the areas are highly vulnerable, especially because they are bordering Uganda and Tanzania where rampant infestation of tsetse flies has been reported.

Speaking during a one-day stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop on tsetse and trypanosomiasis management at Siaya Farmers Training Centre, Nzau urged the government to boost funding and give proper attention to achieve a tsetse free nation.

Joseph Shyachi, the clinical officer in charge of tsetse and trypanosomiasis disease at the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in Alupe, has warned that treating the sleeping disease at a late stage is dangerous as the medicines are highly toxic and can lead to loss of life.

He called for acquisition of new diagnostic machines for early detection of the disease.

Control of sleeping sickness is based on early diagnosis and control of tsetse flies.