By Wasike Elvis
Farmers have a reason to smile after a Moi University student came up with a pesticide to eradicate armyworms which have destroyed thousands of acres of maize farms.
Paul Kemei, a fourth-year student pursuing education, majoring in Kiswahili and CRE invented armyworm pesticide known as ‘Defender’ which according to him can be used in different climatic conditions.
Speaking to Education News recently Kemei said he decided to pursue the invention after the worms infested their farm and brought them a huge loss despite using different kinds of pesticides.
“Thereafter I went to the internet and found out that the worms were not only affecting Kenyans but the whole world so I found it prudent to start the research,” he said.
He, however, refused to reveal the ingredients he used to come up with the drug for fear of his ideas being stolen.
“The pesticide does not have chemicals since it has been made using local elements that do not affect the plant and soil but only the worm”, noted the fourth year education student.
Kemei, however, said while coming up with the pesticide, he faced challenges such as security of his workplace as he feared someone might attempt to steal his idea.
The student has called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to fund his idea saying it will not only benefit locals but farmers from outside Kenya.
