The annual Maralal International Camel Derby 2020 edition was on Monday cancelled following the guidelines to contain COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Since its first launch in 1989, this is the first time that it will not be held.
Samburu County Tourism Chief Officer Joy Letoiya on Monday told KNA that the annual event, just like many businesses, has been affected by the pandemic.
“The event would have been held on the last week of August but that will not happen,” Letoiya said.
Even before the cancellation, hotels in this dusty town had no bookings which is a far cry from what was the norm pre-COVID-19.
In early July, without coronavirus, it would have been difficult to get a booking in any of the hotels around as they are usually fully booked.
The three-day event has become popular over the years and draws tourist from broad and domestic tourists from every corner of Kenya.
Camel racing is the highlight of the event. Usually, the races are categorized between the pros and amateurs who end up competing at the end of it all.
The race kicks off on one end of the town and the gawky-looking camels stamp their feet in readiness to outdo each other in the race.
Besides camel racing, there is a cultural exhibition in Maralal town and a 10 km bike race.
Business owners always look forward to the event because it is a peak for their businesses.