Kenya launches first insect quarantine facility in the region
By Jeckonia Otieno
The first insect quarantine facility in East and Central Africa has been launched in Kenya.
The facility becomes the second in Africa after South Africa. Built and equipped at a cost of Sh40 million and situated at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI); the facility will help Kenya in managing insects brought in from other countries mainly for pest control purposes.
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“This is largely to protect our plants in the country and to tackle pests that are destroying our trees and crops; the first one coming is to support the maize sector which is being ravaged by the fall armyworm,” said Elmi.
Research published in the journal Science Direct in April this year noted that the fall armyworm has led to the loss of a third of all maize produced in Kenya.
Elmi says that the facility which has been certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KEPHIS) can be used to quarantine insects for export as well.
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“The first thing that happens is that the insects are brought into containment to be reared and screened against any contaminant so that we do not introduce any unwanted material.”
He clarifies that insects brought into the country are usually beneficial ones which are moved from area of origin, and brought into a quarantine facility for three reasons—host specificity, screening and mass production before being released to the pests.
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