An armyworm. Photo/courtsey

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The Nyeri County Government has announced that the fall armyworms have invaded crops in the area.

According to the County Executive for Agriculture Robert Thuo, the pest was detected in Othaya, Tetu and Nyeri Central.

"The pest is spreading rapidly and can destroy wide range of crops including maize, rice, millet sorghum, wheat, cabbages, onions and bananas," he said.

The pest can especially attack cereals and it was first detected in Western Kenyan.

In Nyeri, already a sensation exercise has began where farmers are given tips on pest identification, monitoring and scouting.

"We would like to encourage farmers to use the appropriate pesticides, diversify farming and focus on traditional high value crops such as sweet potatoes and arrow roots," he said.