The expected launch of 2 more planes in the fight against desert locusts by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Amos Munya has been moved to tomorrow 11th March 2020 at 10 am.
The launch was to take place at Wilson airport.
In a brief to the media, the CS had arrived at the airport for the launch only to be informed of the delay on the arrival of the 2 planes from South Africa which were forced to land in Mombasa due to bad weather conditions.
However apart from the launch tomorrow the cs is expected to dispatch an assessment team to counties affected to collect data on the impact caused by the locusts. The information will also be used by government in supporting the affected farmers.
Further a public awareness campaign will be launched in order to enhance capacity building besides youth from different counties being trained to be enjoined in the fight.
In addition, 10 more vehicles mounted with spray machinery will be dispatched to the areas to support the aerial spray.
In areas that are densely populated hand spraying will be done to cushion the public from resultant effects of the aerial spray. The cs was quick to dispel fears that the chemical could be dangerous to the public, confirming that the chemical is approved by FAO.
He also disclosed that the ministry has spent so far sh230 million in buying the chemicals and a further consignment worth sh 300 million is expected in the country.
Other agencies supporting the fight include KWS, KFS, NYS and KDF
So far 26 counties have been hit by locusts with Marsabit, Turkana, Mandera, Isiolo, Samburu, being the most affected. Others include the agriculture rich Machakos, Kitui and Tharaka Nithi.
The locusts have also been reported in Bungoma and Uasin Gishu but the cs says those are passing swarms and under stress to lay eggs hence no need for alarm.
However the ministry in liaison with Cecs agriculture in the counties are on the lookout and responding immediately.
