Tussock Caterpillar
This larva was found on foliage of Brazilian Pepper (Schinus molle) near Moiben, Rift Valley, Kenya. Dec. 2014. Further investigation is needed to determine if this exotic plant is indeed a host for this insect in Kenya.
There are quite a number of examples in nature of quite beautiful or striking organisms that are also dangerous or harmful. Among the showy tufts of hairs on this caterpillar are stinging hairs that in some instances are exceedingly painful upon contact with the skin. The purpose of these hairs is to defend the otherwise defenseless worm from birds and others that would eat it. Curious children and gardeners are unintended victims. After producing a cocoon the larva will pupate and later emerge as a scaled moth. There are very many species of Lymantriidae in Kenya. Matching images of adult moths and larvae and host plants would be a worth while project!