Worry over growing swarm of locusts in Turkana

Locusts are pictured on a tree at Kanukurmeri village in Kapua Location, Turkana County, on January 20, 2020. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • There were also reports that desert locusts that have ravaged vegetation in North Eastern were entering the county through Kibish, Todonyang in Turkana North and the neighbouring Baringo County.
  • Kalokol MCA Simon Nang’iro voiced concern over the invasion, saying the locusts had already caused severe damage.
  • Paul Simiyu, a farm manager in Natot village, also asked the government to help farmers prevent or minimise losses and ensure food security.

Panic has gripped residents of Turkana County following reports that the swarms of locusts there are growing bigger.

There were also reports that desert locusts that have ravaged vegetation in North Eastern were entering the county through Kibish, Todonyang in Turkana North and Kapedo in the neighbouring Baringo County.

A spot check at Kapua in Turkana Central found the insects had destroyed large swathes of vegetation much needed by the region’s livestock.

Administrator David Etelej said the most affected areas are Kankudmeri, Morodoo and Nabwel Ekorot, as well as parts along the Kapua Belt all the way to Lomil in Loima Sub-County.

Mr Etelej said he had advised all pastoralists to move their livestock to alternative grazing grounds.

GROWING MENACE

Kalokol MCA Simon Nang’iro voiced concern over the invasion, saying the locusts had already caused severe damage.

Mr Nang'iro warned of a crisis for pastoralists and other residents of Turkana North.

He called upon the national and county governments to quickly contain the situation before it affects the entire county.

Paul Simiyu, a farm manager in Natot village, also asked the government to help farmers prevent or minimise losses.

Crops on thousands of acres along the Turkwel Corridor, all the way to Katilu, where there is a huge irrigation scheme, remain under threat.