Kajiado MCAs raise concern over dreaded weed

Kajiado County Assembly agriculture committee has raised concerns over effects of a weed that has adversely affected livestock keeping in parts of Magadi Ward.PHOTO: COURTESY

Kajiado County Assembly agriculture committee has raised concerns over effects of a weed that has adversely affected livestock keeping in parts of Magadi Ward.

The weed is locally known as Mathenge (Prosopis juliflora).

The Sectoral Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, in a report tabled by the Chairman John Wanyoike, is now calling for action and intervention on the fast-spreading weed in the area.

"This weed is causing much harm to locals and needs to be eradicated," said Diana Mepukori, the vice chair of the committee who seconded the motion.

Magadi MCA Peter Pariken said the locals have for years been affected by the weed that is spreading very fast and suppressing many plants, including fodder and grass.

"Livestock farming is in danger yet it is the main economic activity in this ward," said Mr Pariken.

The report tabled in the county assembly seeks the introduction of effective management of the weed whose spread has adversely affected livestock keeping in the area.

"When we visited the area, it was clear that the plant is a real threat to livestock keeping and has also affected the locals," said Mr Wanyoike.

Parts of Magadi affected by the troublesome weed include Shompole, Oldonyonyoike, Olkiramatian and Magadi locations. The report estimates the areas affected to be more than 50 hectares.