Aerial Spray of Northern Counties invaded by desert locusts to start today- Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna

The Government of Kenya has on saturday announced that it will commence aerial spray of Northern Counties invaded by the desert locusts.

The Government spokesman Mr. Cyrus Oguna said 3000 litres of tested and authorized chemicals have been taken to the affected parts of North Eastern. He also added that handheld sprayers will be used in the operations against the desert locusts.

” 3000 liters of chemicals spraying the locust have been acquired and so far disbursed to the affected Counties”

” We have also acquired spraying capabilities and the spraying will start today” said Mr Oguna.

The respond comes days after leaders from NEP Counties requested the Government to fast track Ariel spray of the desert locusts since other methods of containing the locust menace turned obsolete.

Mr. Oguna also added that among the measures put in place by the government to fight the locust in Northern regions is a team that will survey the area and lead the residents in taking part in the excise.

” the Government has taken the following measures , ground locust support team to monitor and create awareness to local communities”

” this team will in addition take survey and guide the aerial spraying teams ” Oguna added.

The swarm of insects were first spotted at Ashabito and parts of El- wak town in Mandera , it was also reported that the locusts entered Kenya from the eastern side of Somalia and settled in Kutulo area, Wajir County.

New arrival of desert locust believed to be from Ethiopia was also reported in Wajir North and Eldas constituencies. According to Wajir County Chief Officer for Agriculture, the new arrival of the locust came through Bute and Gurar areas before settling in an area that is a few kilometers to Bute town.

Cyrus Oguna also appreciated the affected Counties for fighting the locusts with all the local methods available.