Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano has called for deliberate investment in cultural and community-based tourism as government seeks to diversify Kenya’s tourism offering while unlocking the largely untapped northern circuit.
CS Miano said Kenya must capitalise on its rich cultures, festivals, landscapes and community experiences to complement traditional wildlife safari that has for decades defined the country’s tourism industry.
Speaking during the 33rd edition of the Maralal International Camel Derby in Samburu County on Saturday, October 23, the CS said events such as the annual festival demonstrate the enormous tourism potential that exists beyond the country’s renowned national parks and reserves.
“Events such as this show that Kenya’s appeal reaches well beyond its celebrated wildlife safaris, as the Derby proves every passing year,” Miano said.
“Our cultural festivals, landscapes, traditions and community experiences are equally vital in presenting a destination with something distinctive for every visitor.”
Miano singled out Samburu as one of the regions with significant potential for cultural, adventure, eco and nature-based tourism, saying the Maralal event has become an important contributor to the development of the northern tourism circuit.
With cultural tourism products locked in, she added, Kenya would not only attract domestic and international visitors but also ensure communities hosting attractions receive direct economic benefits.
According to the CS, the Maralal Camel Derby generates business for local artisans, traders, transport operators, hotels, guesthouses and other small enterprises.
“A single weekend of racing fills guesthouses, markets and workshops, a result of which accruing benefits linger long after the dust has settled,” she said.
“By drawing domestic and international visitors, the derby stimulates enterprise, sustains livelihoods and advances the wider development of Samburu County.”
Miano called for stronger collaboration between the national government, county governments, private sector, local communities and other tourism stakeholders to give cultural events greater visibility and ensure their long-term sustainability.
She also identified peace and conservation as critical pillars of sustainable tourism, saying communities must remain at the heart of efforts to protect the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
This year’s festival is themed “Racing for Harmony: Tourism, Conservation, Culture, and Peace.”
Miano said the derby’s evolution demonstrated how tourism and culture can be used to foster peaceful coexistence among communities while generating economic opportunities.
Conceived in 1990 as a peace initiative among pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, the event has grown into an international festival bringing together sport, culture and tourism.
“For 33 years, here in Maralal, camels have raced not for prizes alone, but for peace,” Miano said.