According to The Nation, an army of desert locusts has invaded Wajir South sub-county. Wajir County is a county in the former North Eastern Province of Kenya. The invasion has been growing despite aerial spraying.
Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties were first hit by the invasion and were followed by Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Samburu and Laikipia counties. The locusts were first sighted in Kutulo, Tarbaj sub-county, more than two weeks ago, having flown from Somalia.
The army then flew to Wajir West, Wajir North, Eldas and Wajir South, destroying swathes of vegetation and pasture in a region where pastoralism is the main source of livelihood.
Wajir’s Agriculture executive, Mr Ahmed Shariff, said at least 15 swarms have spread into the county so far from Somalia and Ethiopia.
Seven were repelled by the spraying, he said, while eight were pushed away by the combined efforts of residents and parties including security officers.
Mr Shariff appealed to the government to declare the invasion a national disaster and intensify aerial spraying as it is the most effective method.
“We have all seen the effects of the invasion. The government should declare it a national disaster to pave way for more resources to be mobilised,” he concluded.
