The World Bank on Thursday approved a $43 (Ksh4.5 billion) loan to Kenya to help in combating locust swarms that are destroying crops in Eastern Africa.
"Without immediate intervention, the locust attack could lead to a deterioration in food security towards the end of 2020 and possible rise in food prices," said World Bank Country Director for Kenya Felipe Jaramillo.
The World Bank on Wednesday approved another $1 billion (Ksh100 billion) loan for Kenya to help it close a gaping budget deficit and tackle the economic shocks from the coronavirus pandemic.
Kenya is facing the worst desert locust invasion in 70 years, which has affected the already vulnerable northern region of the country.
The World Bank loan comes in a period when coronavirus-linked flight restrictions are hampering efforts to wipe out locust swarms due to lack of supplies.
