Maralal businesses reap big as international Camel derby kicks-off

Camel riders takes part in the 26th Maralal International Camel Derby amateur race at the Yare Camel Club in Maralal Samburu County on August 15, 2015. Security has been beefed up in Samburu County ahead of this year's event. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • About 120 professionals including participants from Europe, Asia, South and East African counties have registered to take part in the annual sporting event, with about 112 amateur riders who are joining for the first time.
  • Some residents have turned their houses into rental facilities for the period, also taking advantage of the huge demand for accommodation as hotels and lodgings are fully booked.
  • The Maralal International Camel Derby which began 27 years ago has been a tourist attraction drawing huge numbers of international visitors to join the community in celebrating various cultural practices.

Security has been beefed up in Samburu County ahead of the Maralal International Camel Derby.

At least 300 police officers have been deployed to various parts of the county and its environs and along the roads leading to Maralal.

Hundreds of visitors — both local and international — have already arrived in the county for the 27th edition of the Maralal International Camel Derby that will take place for three days from August 25 to August 27.

About 120 professionals including participants from Europe, Asia, South and East African counties have registered to take part in the annual sporting event, with about 112 amateur riders who are joining for the first time.

It is harvest time for the local hospitality industry which stands to gain greatly from the event.

Hotels and accommodation facilities in Maralal town located at the heart of Samburu County are fully booked and have been booming with business for the last two weeks when visitors started arriving from all corners of the world.

Some residents have turned their houses into rental facilities for the period, also taking advantage of the huge demand for accommodation as hotels and lodgings are fully booked.

Among them is Mr Christopher Murimi, a businessman in Maralal town who hired out his house to two South African nationals who were stranded.

“This is our time to make money and that’s why I had to hire out my house to these tourists who are paying me well up to Saturday when the event ends,” he told the Nation.

He was offered Sh30,000 for 10 days which he couldn’t let go and is now putting up with a friend on the same plot.

Many endured the poor road network and the long tiresome trip to the county located 441 kilometres from Nairobi to take part in the prestigious event.

Locals are also not letting go the opportunity to cash from the hundreds of visitors and have flooded the tiny market with locally made ornaments and traditional artifacts including traditional daggers, weaved baskets and maasai shukas, among others.

Vehicle owners have on the other hand converted to taxi and tour guiding services to Yare — just outside Maralal town — where the sporting competition will take place, the Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, among other tourist attraction areas in the county.

The few entertainment places like clubs and drinking dens in the town have also been flocked over the last few days, awaiting the big day.

Famous joints like ‘Club 7’ and 3 D lounges are said to be now running out of space as the price for beer and other liquor products goes high due to demand.

Samburu County Commissioner Mohammed Birik said more police officers were deployed as a security measure to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists who will be attending the camel derby.

Officers have been stationed at various parts of the county including Rumuruti- Maralal road, Isiolo-Wamba road and Wamba-Maralal road.

The county commissioner urged the public to volunteer information to police on suspected criminals.

He urged area chiefs and locals to embrace the Nyumba Kumi community policing initiative as an insecurity fighting measure.

The officer cautioned bar operators against selling alcohol to minors or allow underage children to get into their premises.

He also asked event organizers not to allow school children at the venue beyond 6pm. He also urged parents to take responsibility and know their children's whereabouts every day.

"The derby will not be characterised by drinking sprees involving underage youth and any club or bar owner found liable will face the law,” said the administrator.

The Maralal International Camel Derby which began 27 years ago has been a tourist attraction drawing huge numbers of international visitors to join the community in celebrating various cultural practices.