Locust Invasion: Kenya dealing with the 2nd invasion of the desert locust in the lower Coastal Area

The 2nd Desert Locust invasion is in the country and has been identified in the lower Coastal Area. Agriculture and food Crops principal Secretary Prof. Hamadi Boga, the locusts came on the 9th of November this year pushed by the wind down into the country from Somalia and Ethiopia. He noted that the desert locusts are in the Counties of Lamu area which was unexpected, they are also invading Tana River, Garissa , Taita Taveta and also Kilifi from down. Boga revealed that the government has now set a base in Witu in Lamu, in Garissa and might put up another one in Taita Taveta as well as train extension people and other frontline workers in those areas since they had not been trained. The PS acknowledged that this time round the locusts have come earlier than the first wave which was on December 28th , and also this time there are mature swarms here and breeding. Prof. Boga said currently they have pictures of the young adults Desert Locust about to fly and indication shows that they may start arriving this week according to the speed of the winds, the worst part is in Central Somalia where Al – Shabbab are in control, it is hard to figure out how much of it is there. He however noted that for Ethiopia , they have tried to manage them but currently been also destructed by their own internal issues which will be difficult since not only will Kenya expect wave from there but also the northern Somalia. FAO which has been in the fore front in assisting the country and the region in fighting the Desert locust had in August warned of the new generation of Desert Locust which would be a threat food security and livelihoods as it coincides with the early beginning of the long rains and the current growing season. Video by Japheth Makau Kenya's No.1 channel for digital exclusive videos. AUTHORITATIVE. BOLD. ENTERTAINING.