{{As Kenyan families are looking for alternatives to tomatoes, experts are warning that a new pest that has attacked seven counties can spread to the whole country.}}
The tomato leafminer that also attacks potatoes has raised prices across the country up to five times. Experts say there is a danger of tuta absoluta quickly spreading to all the counties because it is a migratory pest.
Lillian Jeptanui, a researcher at Egerton University, said the pest recently arrived in Kenya from Ethiopia. It can spread to other regions, she said.
Other counties affected are Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Garissa, Wajir, and Marsabit.
At the Nakuru Wholesale Market, a major source of fruit sold countrywide, one tomato is selling at Sh10. Normally, a bunch of four sells at Sh10 or a 2kg container goes for between Sh50 and Sh60.
Experts say the pest attacks the crop at flowering stage and destroys up to 70 per cent of crop. It has attacked Solai, Subukia, Ng’arua, Rumuruti and Rongai regions in Nakuru.
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