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40TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF MINISTERS SESSION IN NAIROBI, KENYA – 31st October to 1st November 2024

The guest of honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development – Kenya during the official opening of the 40th regular session of the Governing Council of Ministers.

Date and Venue

The International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) successfully convened its 40th Regular Session of the Governing Council of Ministers from 31st October to 1st November 2024 at the Mövenpick Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.

The guest of honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development – Kenya during the session.
Mr. John Mulongoti – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture-Zambia during the session. 

Representation and Key Discussions

The high-level meeting brought together government representatives from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, alongside observers and technical experts. The meeting discussed regional strategies for managing migratory pests and strengthening food security.

Dr Chizumba Shepande, Director – Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture – Zambia, receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.
The 2024 Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Olegario Dos Anjos Banze, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development – Mozambique, receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.

Key takeaways

  • Strengthened Regional Collaboration – Member States reaffirmed their commitment to IRLCO-CSA’s mandate, emphasizing the need for financial and technical sustainability.
  • Innovation in Pest Management – IRLCO-CSA to explore the use of drones and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance pest management and rapid response efforts.
  • Encouraging Membership Expansion – Call for more countries to join IRLCO-CSA, for cost-effectiveness and greater regional impact.
  • Leadership Transition – Zambia elected as Chair, with Mozambique as Vice-Chair of the Governing Council for 2025.

Looking Ahead

IRLCO-CSA remains committed to strengthening food security in Central and Southern Africa through research, collaboration, and innovative pest management strategies.

Mrs Elida Chifuniro Kazira, Director of Crop Development, Ministry of Agriculture – Malawi, receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.
Mr. Samson William Poneja, AssistantDirector – Agriculture inputs, Ministry of Agriculture – Tanzania, receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.
Mr. Moses Rwaheru Mwesigwa, Director – Desert Locust Control Organisation for Eastern Africa receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.
Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, Chief Director, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development – Zimbabwe, receiving gifts from the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr Andrew M. Karanja, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya  after the official opening of the session.