VIDEO: Locust invasion hits Northern Kenya

Northern Kenya is under threat of starvation after locusts invaded the region.

The locusts, which entered the country from the Southern side of Somalia, have raised concerns among locals: many of them are pastoralists.

Some of their crops have been destroyed as the insects that move in swarms continue to leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

According to officials in Wajir, the locusts moved around for close to two hours before settling 8 to 10 kilometers away from Kutulo town.

Kutulo is located on the border of Wajir and Mandera.

On December 18, the Food and Agriculture Organisation had warned that locusts would invade countries within the Horn of Africa.

A statement on their website further cautioned that the situation could worsen if not controlled by national authorities.

The locust invasion was first reported in Somalia, which then spread to Northern Kenya.

FAO has warned that the locusts could increase towards the end of January.

“However, as good rains fall over a large portion of the Ogaden and Somalia from Cyclone Pawan, many swarms are expected to remain in place, mature and lay eggs from late January onwards for another generation of breeding that would cause a substantial and dramatic increase in locusts,” FAO said.