A crop-eating armyworm is seen on a sorghum plant at a farm in Settlers, northern province of Limpopo, South Africa, February 8, 2017. [Photo: the-star]
A Member of Uasin Gishu County Assembly has asked the county government through the department of Agriculture to explain measures it is putting in place to mitigate the looming army worms threat.
Nominated MCA Senah Chebichii Kosgei on Thursday asked for a statement from the Assembly's leader of majority Josphat Lowoi on the matter.
She wants a report on the same tabled at the Assembly within 7 days.
"The rain season is coming to an end and with the new spell, there is an emerging threat of army worms that destroy maize within a very short time. This is why I am rising to ask for a statement on the measures the county is putting in place to curb this looming threat," noted Kosgei.
"I request that a report on the same be availed to this house withing a week as well as sensitization program put in place," she added.
Assembly's Deputy Speaker who chaired the Thursday session directed the leader of majority to get in touch with the relevant department and get a comprehensive report.
"By next week we need answers to this army worms issue," directed Lamai.
Several farms in the North Rift region and parts of Western Kenya have reported army worms invasions.
In April, the government issued an alert on the outbreak of the fall army worm in Kitale, Bungoma, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzioia, Busia, Nandi, Kericho, Baringo and Nakuru counties.