'Komesha Fruit Fly' campaign has been launched by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) in attempts to save mango trees from plant diseases.
Measures adopted include a move to have mango farms and produce certified, stakeholders' capacity building as well as construction for modern mango collection centres, Standard reports.
The agency has teamed up with several other organizations among them United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Technoserve and also Rockefeller Foundation among others in attempts to ensuring Pest Free Areas and also fight the current infestations.
In 2004, the exportation of mangoes was banned to find solutions to ensuring that mangoes were fruit-fly free.
Created in Makueni county, and especially Kibwezi and Wote, in its first phase, PFA seeks to reach 7,500 households within the coverage of 3,000 hectares.
Mango was reportedly the second important crop after bananas which ranked first, according to KEPHIS MD Esther Kimani.
"In Makueni, as part of mitigation measures, we have established at least one pack house fitted with hot water treatment equipment in every ward and creation of a modern open-air market facility for local marketing of mango and other fresh produce," Kimani said.
Kenya was ranked position 10 worldwide in terms of mango farming, according to Robin Achoki who chairs KEPHIS.
"Increase in both domestic consumption and international demand has driven much of the fast growth in the Kenyan mango. We have to work together to ensure that the country meets the requirements for export," Achoki said, according to the Standard.