Residents of Muhoroni are living in fear as a swarm of desert locusts have invaded Kisumu county through Muhoroni sub county. It is believed it is just a matter of time before they ravage Siaya county .
The desert locusts are said to have been spotted on by chiefs on Monday evening in Kamarawa village, Wang’aya One Sub-location in Nyang’oma Location of Miwani Division. This is according to Muhoroni Deputy county commissioners Erick Wanyonyi.
The invasion has caused panic among residents in the area who asked for quick action by the county and national governments as it is a threat to food security in the area.
The County Commissioner and county government officials are in the know, having been informed as residents are calling for urgency to control the locusts.
Being among the regions considered as a food
basket Muhoroni is a cane growing area and hosts three state-owned sugar company namely Chemelil, Muhoroni and Miwani. Horticulture and livestock farming is also practiced by the farmers in the area.
The desert locusts that originated from Ethiopia and Somalia began in the Northern region of Kenya and spread to areas of Isiolo, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Tana River and now in Kisumu.
The Agriculture CS Peter Munya has so far reassured the public that the desert locusts will be eliminated in a matter of time. He said the ministry has increased sprayer aircraft from eight to 20 to contain and manage the locust infestation. Adding that the locusts are aging and will soon die of old age as it is in their life cycle.
According to the CS, county officers from 21 devolved units have been trained on surveillance, monitoring and mapping out locust breeding areas and how to fight the insects.
Muhoroni subcounty borders Nandi county which is within the country’s major agricultural zones.
