Government at mercy of foreign business interests in fight against locusts

Julius Nzoka, a farmer from Kyuso ward in Kitui county sprays newly hatched locusts nymphs at his farm. [Philip Muasya/Standard]

Swarms of locusts that have invaded the country will continue ravaging vegetation because the Government is unable to acquire a key chemical used to kill them.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya yesterday told a Senate committee the Government is at the mercy of foreign business interests that are yet to supply Fenitrothion, a powerful pesticide only available in Japan and Australia.