Tsetse fly council asks for more funding to fight bug

A parastatal charged with eradication of tsetse flies has asked for increased funding.

Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (Kenttec) chief executive Pamela Olet said the Sh400 million allocated to the agency last year was not enough to eradicate the insect since it had spread to many parts of the country.

Speaking at Mwea Game Reserve during a field visit to assess the impact of tsetse eradication in Mbeere South in Embu county, Dr Olet said her organisation intends to mount a systematic campaign to ensure success in the war against the insect.

She said tsetse flies usually move to neighbouring counties, noting that if the war against the bug is not extended beyond borders, it would come a cropper.

Dr Olet said the tsetse fly menace had cost the economy billions of shillings especially in tourism, since it is prevalent in game reserves and national parks, affecting the population of wild animals.
RHINOS AFFECTED

She said animal numbers had increased in Bogoria and Ruma National Park, where black rhinos had almost been wiped out due to the fly.

“The Sh400 million can’t even be enough for the Meru National Park. We should have a systematic campaign because if you leave the neighbouring area, the insects will come back. We have seen great success in various parts of the country,” said Dr Olet.

Livestock Principal Secretary Fred Sigor said more than 138 square kilometres of land in Kenya is infested with the flies.

Prof Sigor said the ministry would soon launch tsetse eradication campaign in Galana Ranch to help boost livestock production.

Kenttec Chairman Gideon Nzau said cash constraints had affected service delivery and had delayed hiring of zoologists and other staff.