According to the United Nations, the first generation of desert locusts here in Kenya has matured and is ready to breed.

Desert Locusts usually mature and start laying eggs from two to four months. This means the first generation of locusts bred a while back in the counties of Isiolo, Samburu, Mandera, and Marsabit.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a recent update warned us about the situation “A new generation of breeding is underway in Kenya, where more eggs will hatch and form hopper bands during May, followed by new Swarms late June and July, which conclude with the start of harvesting.”

Heavy rainfall continues in some parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu. Experts say rain and warmer temperatures provide favorable conditions for breeding.

Locusts threaten food security and pastoralists. It is estimated that more than 30,000 people in Samburu have been affected.