Residents in parts of Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties are concerned about a locust invasion affecting their region.
locals have reported that the locusts now pose a threat to their farms.
In Tharaka Nithi County, affected areas include Mauthini, Kamacabi, and Kamutuandu.
In Meru County, impacted areas include Kisimani along the Tigania-Igembe border, Ndamuuru, Amwathi, and nearby semi-arid regions.
Efforts are underway to prevent further crisis in the region as some residents face the imminent threat of invasion.
Authorities from both counties have announced plans to conduct a spraying exercise starting next week to repel the tree locusts.
Meru County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, James Mutia, assured prompt action, acknowledging the situation.
“Some farmers mistake tree locusts for other grasshopper species,” Mutia noted.
Tree locusts migrate in swarms, primarily at night, distinguishing them from desert locusts that migrate during the day.
Tree locusts are physically larger compared to desert locusts.
