Preparations are in high gear as Maralal is set to host the 32nd edition of one of Kenya’s unique cultural and sporting events, the Maralal International Camel Derby.
The event which will kick off from September 25th -28th, 2025 at the Yare Camel Camp under the theme ‘Sporting for Tourism, Conservation and Peaceful Cultural Interaction’ is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors from Kenya and beyond.
Samburu county governor Lati Lelelit said the annual festival is a leading sports and cultural event which boosts the country’s tourism efforts by attracting international and local visitors to experience a rich culture that blends well with sports to promote peace.
While welcoming local and international visitors, Lelelit assured them of their safety adding that there is enough accommodation ranging from hotels, lodges and campsites for adventurous visitors.
“Maralal is a safe destination and it is a part of the northern Kenya tourism circuit which provides a remote and rugged experience distinct from other Kenyan tourism regions. This is also the only camel race in Africa that blends celebration of culture, tourism and peace.” He said.
Samburu county Director for tourism Mathew Leakono said that the major highlights of the event will be the 21-kilometer professional camel race, the 10-kilometer armature race and the triathlon where participants start with camel racing, cross-country and then finish with a bicycle race.
He added that there will be an array of corporate exhibition tents and cultural exhibitions from the communities living in Samburu County and the highlight will be a real traditional wedding ceremony from both the Samburu and Turkana communities.
“The cultural interactions aim at promoting peace efforts within communities living in Samburu County and as a way of showcasing our cultural diversity, we encourage all communities to dress in their traditional attires during the four-day event.” Leakono said.
Maralal which is the headquarters of Samburu County government is a fast-growing satellite town which is 350 kilometers from Nairobi city and it is accessible by tarmac road through the Nyahururu-Rumuruti-Maralal road or the Archers post-Wamba-Maralal Road.
The drive from Rumuruti is comparable to a game drive since one can spot the Big Five while driving through private wildlife sanctuaries of Laikipia County.
By Robert Githu
