Agriculture CS Hon Peter Munya has presided over the launch of Migratory and Invasive Pests and Weeds Management Strategy (2022-2027) in Kenya at a Nairobi Hotel.
CS Munya noted that the Desert Locusts invasion experienced in Kenya over the last two years posed a severe food security threat to over 4 million people, affecting 32 counties in Kenya.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives collaborated with various stakeholders including; County Governments and Development Partners to contain the invasion successfully,” said CS Munya
He added that the lessons learnt from the desert locust invasion and the emergence of new invasive pests and weeds has also exposed the gaps related to institutional and coordination structures; human capacity and resources; communication, knowledge and information systems.
“It is in this respect that the ministry with the support of FAO and World Bank spearheaded development of this strategy.” he added.
The strategy will establish a modern information and knowledge management system to strengthen surveillance, forecasting and ensure timely and effective control operations.
The CS pledged government’s commitment in working closely with regional and global organizations and national and County Governments and donor community, to support implementation of the strategy.
