Ministry of Agriculture
On 23rd January, 2010 armyworm outbreaks were reported in Barwesa area of Baringo North district and Mae Mahiu area of Naivasha district. Although there is no crop damage reported so far, a total area of 2,100 hectares of pasture is affected.
The Agriculture Officers of these Districts have been asked to immediately collect pesticide and spray equipment from this office and commence control.
This letter is to alert you of the outbreaks that are likely to occur in other districts of Central and North Rift. Particular attention should be paid to Narok North and South, Nakuru, Rongai, Koibatek and Baringo Central. All field extension Officers should be sensitized on early detection and control of the pest.
Any outbreaks should be reported to this office indicating:
-Locality
-Date of infestation
-Crops under attack
-Density of caterpillars (per plant or per square meter)
-Size and colour of caterpillars
-Action being taken
-Challenges encountered during control operations.
Recent outbreaks were reported in the following Districts and areas:
-23rd January 2010 in Rift Valley Province in the areas of:
-Mai Mahiu in Naivasha District (1,600 ha),
-Isinya in kajiado and Magadi in Ngong District(100ha)
-Barwesa in Baringo North District (400 ha).
-Lombala in Mogotio District (850 ha)
-Salawa in Baringo Central District.
-27th January, 2010 -100 hectares of grass field was sprayed at JkIA Apron area.
-28th January, 2010 - Narok North reported 500 acres of maize and 4,000 acres pasture under army worm attack. Spraying is on-going.
-28th January 2010 - Njiru district reported 2 outbreaks on 2 acres of pasture. Survey and control is on going.
Other areas where outbreaks have been reported and survey on-going to confirm Hectarage include; Ngong (Ntashat area, Narok(Ole tip, Setalite, Ntulele and Siapei). Control is however on- going.
-In Rift Valley, a total of 6100 Ha of pasture is affected and 500ha of maize. Control exercise is on-going.
-Control operations completed in all Districts of Coast and Eastern Provinces.
-Issued 7,300 litres (3750 litres EC and 3,550 litres ULV), 306 units of ULV applicators, 28 knapsack sprayers and 158 sets of PPE.
-Preparations for Community Based Armyworm Forecasting commenced in Machakos, Matungulu, Yatta, Kitui, Nzaui, Mukaa, Makindu and Mutomo Districts.