Ipomea plant now threatens livestock survival in Kajiado

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku leads other county officials in uprooting Ipomea, a dangerous weed that has invaded farms in Kajiado County. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

The county government of Kajiado has declared the Ipomea plant a dangerous invasive weed that is threatening vegetation and livestock production.

Ipomoea is genus of about 500 mostly warm-climate trees and shrubs of the convolvulaceae family.

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku now says the plant is a threat due to its ability to spread, encroaching on other vegetation.

Speaking during the launch of a campaign duped Ngoa Ipomea, the county boss said the weed is a threat to livestock keepers and his government will use all means to eradicate it.

"We are under attack by the invasive Ipomea weed. This dangerous weed is spreading like bushfire and it is having a devastating effect on the survival of useful vegetation and our animals,'' Lenku said.

The governor said the weed has choked large fields of pasture, effectively putting under threat the availability of natural livestock feed.

Lenku said the growth and spread of Ipomoea has a direct negative impact on food security and economic empowerment at the household level.

"My government has evaluated the various ways in which it can eradicate the weed. And one of the ways is the physical uprooting that I am launching. Together with our partners in this Ng'oa Ipomea campaign, we shall engage our youth at the community level to physically uproot and appropriately dispose it," said Lenku.

Some of the areas targeted are Kajiado Central, Kajiado East and Kajiado South.

The governor also instructed the Departments of Agriculture and Livestock to collaborate with partners such as Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO), Umma University and University of Nairobi, to do all that is within their capacity to ensure the weed is eradicated.

Ipomoea spreads quickly and cannot be eaten by livestock, and neither can grass grow under it or in its surroundings.

In addition, the strong scent from the weed's flowers is said to cause respiratory complications and sneezing, especially in the evening.

Moses Ole Nalepo, a livestock farmer at Ilbisel Kajiado Central, says at least 700 acres of his land has been invaded by the weed.

He says eradicating the weed has been a nightmare because the seeds are easily carried by wind and spread across other areas.

Residents say their children are at risk of eating the plant, which causes drowsiness, and when consumed in high quantities, adversely affects their health.

Lenku said his government plans to allocate some money that will help pastoralists uproot the weed. He, however, did not reveal the amount to be spent during the exercise.