In mid-December and throughout January next year, swarms of desert locusts will invade Kenya and possibly neighbouring countries- the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has warned.
'Large numbers of hopper bands continue to develop within a vast area of eastern Ethiopia and central Somalia where ground and aerial control operations are in progress. Immature swarms will start to form this week and increase during the remainder of December and into January,' FAO said.
The Food and Agricultural Organization urged Kenya to be extremely vigilant and prepared for this invasion.
'From mid-December onwards, successive waves of immature swarms are expected to migrate south to southeastern Ethiopia and southern Somalia and invade northeast Kenya, spreading to northern and central counties. Intensive survey and control operations should be maintained in Ethiopia and Somalia while extreme vigilance and preparedness are required in Kenya,' the agency said.
According to the agency, 'Swarm formation will continue throughout December because of widespread hatching and band formation that occurred this past week.'
'We are aware and therefore, prepared for the second attack. We have enough pesticides, equipment, and personnel to handle the second wave,' Kenya's Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said in response.
The Desert locust invaded the country in early March spreading into 28 counties in what has been described as the worst outbreak in 7 years.
It was part of the outbreak that ravaged Horn of Africa countries including Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi and Uganda.
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