Maralal camel derby receives Sh0.7m boost from tourism board

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is leveraging on the rich cultural diversity in the country to market Kenya both within and internationally.

Maralal International Camel Derby, which has been confirmed for this month and Lamu Cultural Festival are two avenues the board has pointed out as important in opening up virgin tourist areas in the country.

Maralal, which falls on the North Eastern circuit, has rich wildlife and cultural aspects which include the Samburu weddings that mark part of the camel derby activities, Mararal game sanctuary, and the Samburu night of music, dance and cuisines.

“When we talk about it as a tourist destination, it's an area that has not been explored and we are saying its ready for exploration, which is also important for us to showcase it in terms of diversity,” said Muriithi Ndegwa, KTB managing director.

Maralal camel derby was started by the late Malcolm Gascoigne of Yare Camel Club in 1990 to promote Maralal as a tourist destination and for fundraising. The race brings together amateur and professional camel riders.

This year’s event has already registered participants from 20 countries marking an increase from last year which stood at 12 countries.

Amateur contenders who are mostly tourists on adventure will be given 100 camels.

KTB also announced its sponsorship for the event by presenting a cheque of Sh700,000 to Mr Moses Lenairoshi, chair of the Maralal International Camel Derby.

“For us in tourism we believe that this platform will open up the unexplored North Eastern circuit and at the same time showcase its wildlife and scenery." said Mr Ndegwa adding that "the area has unique flora and fauna ranging from semi desert, semi-arid regions and oasis, as well as wildlife wildlife unique to the region.”
The tourism market this year marked a marginal decrease in arrival in the first quarter of the year as opposed to the same period last year marking a 0.5 per cent decline.