A new generation of hopper bands that hatched last month in Northern Kenya has matured and ready to fly, signalling a new headache to the government as it battles locusts menace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the first ever generation bred in Kenya to fly since the invasion was reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The voracious pests have been laying eggs along their migratory paths which started from Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Samburu counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials say the hopper bands could form swarms close to 100 times larger than the wave that descended in the region from neighbouring countries of Somalia and Ethiopia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to statistics from Samburu County Special Programmes Department, the new generation bred in Kenya, is already flying in Lekiji, Melepo Moo, Sesia and Mabati in Samburu East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “They have formed new generation swarms and are ravaging any green matter in the area,” said Mr Daniel Lesaigor, Samburu County Special Programmes chief officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He warned that the newly hatched generation of desert locusts is about 100 times their parents’ numbers and could rise to an eye-watering 500 per cent multiplication by April this year if uncontrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n