Shortage of chemicals and the mobile nature of locusts are the biggest challenges the government is facing, Agriculture CS Peter Munya has said.
Munya spoke when he appeared on Wednesday before Parliament to explain how the country can eradicate swarms of locusts that have invaded several parts of the country.
He said the only effective chemicals are manufactured in Japan and Australia.
Munya says procuring and transporting the pesticides to the country has been slow because the government has been relying on private entities.
"We have been relying on private sector who are lying to us that the chemicals will be here in two weeks but it takes ages," he says.
Munya noted that the government had also spent Sh230 million so far and was now relying on private partners especially FAO.
But insisted that the government has escalated efforts to tame the insects.
The number of aircraft has been increased from eight to 20 while 500 NYS personnel have been trained.
100,000 litres of chemicals have been procured by FAO. Munya said FAO has donated 20 vehicles fixed with sprayers.
"They will be shared with neighbouring countries of Uganda and South Sudan. Consultants have also been hired to access the extent of damage in affected counties," he said.
He noted that locust control centre has been set up at Kilimo House and six other regional centres have also been established to coordinate the exercise.
"Locusts are very mobile. They move about 150km per day. It is a challenge distributing the chemicals, " he says.
