The government has started an operation that seeks to ensure Meru County is locust free.
Igembe North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Charles Lang’at says aerial spraying of the locusts in the area is ongoing.
Lang’at who spoke to the Star commended efforts of county disaster management team in dealing with the locusts that have invaded several areas in the North-Eastern region as before the matter becomes uncontrollable.
“We have intensified our surveillance and are doing monitoring to contain these swarms of insects. They have now migrated to Igembe Central. Aerial spray is ongoing but early in the morning because experts say they sleep at night and migrate during the day,” the DCC told the Star on Sunday.
Igembe North MP Maoka Maore on his part asked the government to swing into action by spraying the swarm of locusts that had infested Kinolu and Kachiuru areas.
He affirmed the possibilities of an approaching food shortage if the matter is not dealt with immediately.
The locusts migrated to areas in Meru county after infesting the North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir and Isiolo.
After the leaders from the vast arid region called on the government's help, several ways are being implemented rid the destructive pests that are clearing green vegetation exposing livestock and people to a possible food crisis.