Maralal town comes alive ahead of camel derby

Maralal is abuzz with activity as preparations for the upcoming international camel derby get into top gear.

The Maralal International Camel Derby - an annual sporting event that is held midyear just outside Maralal Town - is scheduled to take place for three days from August 25 to August 27, next week.

The prestigious camel racing competition is expected to draw a huge number of international and local participants and fans, including sport lovers from Europe, Asia, South and East African and Scandinavian nations to the tiny Samburu County.

It is not just about the camel sporting activity.

The derby, which is a major event on the Samburu calendar, is a festival of an assortment of fun activities.

A number of activities and festivities will be taking place away from the camel racing competition in and around Maralal Town. There will also be a display of a cultural diversity of the practices and heritage of the county’s communities which include the Samburus, the Boranas, the Turkanas, Pokots and Rendiles.

County director of tourism Mathew Leakono told Nation the county is well-prepared for the event. The county government set aside Sh20 million just for the preparations.

This will be the 27th edition of the event.

According to Mr Leakono, the aim is to promote tourism and cultural diversity through sports and promotion of peace and cohesion among pastoral communities.

“Funds that will collected from the event will be utilised on conservation of wildlife and creation of tourist facilities,” he said.

The county government also intends to use the event to promote community-based wildlife and land conservation in the wildlife rich county. This is expected to translate into reduced poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

The county government has put up exhibition stalls at the venue of the derby along the Yare Camel Club for companies to display their products and locals showcase their traditional heritage and talents.

The county government is also putting up a camping site inside the Maralal Sanctuary-situated just about two kilometres from the county headquarters. It is meant to cater for the eventuality that visitors lack accommodation facilities, given the huge number of people expected.

“Already, people have started arriving ahead of the event and we don’t want anyone to be stranded,” said Mr Leakono.

A number of accommodation facilities are already fully booked. Accommodation cost in most places has also more than doubled as hotel and lodges cash in on the high demand.

The event has also pulled a big number of business people from as far as Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyahururu and Mombasa.

County police commander Francis Kumut and commissioner Mohammed Birik assured visitors and residents of tight security during the event.

He said they had also increased patrols.