This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
From 30th August to 1st September, the 30th edition of the Maralal Camel Derby took place in Maralal, Samburu County, with a theme to Promote peace through culture and sports.
The event, which involved an amateur camel race, aimed to bring together several nomadic ethnic communities in Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Laikipia counties to discuss their challenges, including education and environmental issues.
According to Peter Galwersi, peace chairman from Laisamis in Marsabit County, the event helps to promote cohesion among the communities by showcasing their culture, food, and dressing.
Galwersi led a team of community members from Marsabit County to the camel derby to interact with other communities.
Camels are a common animal among the communities, and the choice to use them in the race was aimed to bring them together as the communities relate to it.
“Different communities have different ways of life, and bringing together neighboring communities helps in resolving their conflicts, which can be violent,” said Vincent Omunyin from World Vision.
Omunyin noted that the introduction of the Imara program has helped in promoting peace by educating communities on the revitalization and preservation of rangeland assets in the arid and semi-arid areas.
The program, led by World Vision in the four counties in Northern Kenya, has also helped in diversified livelihoods, such as beekeeping.
At the derby, women showcased self-made products, such as bead products and honey, which they believe help in interrelations.
“If a Samburu woman comes selling honey or a beaded bracelet, I will buy, and we will be able to interact and learn more from the organized women groups,” said Purity Lemerian from Laikipia county.
