Mombasa's Jumeirah Beach comes alive with first-ever Camel Race Derby

Jumeirah Beach came alive as hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to witness a camel race derby that drew both local and international tourists. The colourful spectacle, staged along one of the most scenic stretches of the Kenyan coast, marked the first camel race of its kind south of the Sahara.

The race served as the highlight of a series of pre-event activities ahead of this year’s East Africa Ocean Festival (TEAOF). For the past week, camel riders had been training and sharpening their skills in readiness for the historic competition, which organisers described as a major boost to Mombasa’s tourism appeal.

Festival co-founder Hamisi Mwaguya said the day’s programme was designed not only to entertain but also to promote environmental conservation. “We kicked off the East African Ocean Festival 2025 with an exciting line-up, a health walk from Sabasaba to Jumeirah Beach, a beach clean-up to restore our shores, and to crown it all, an amazing camel race competition that attracted local and international tourists,” he said.

The event brought together government agencies and private sector partners in a joint campaign to tackle ocean plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

Among the institutions involved were the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Mombasa County Government, Kenya Wildlife Service, and TEAOF organisers.

Mwaguya urged residents to keep supporting the festival’s clean-up initiatives, stressing that plastic-free beaches are vital for a thriving marine environment. “We urge Mombasa residents to be part of the activity as we celebrate, conserve, and enjoy our ocean together,” he added.

Mombasa County’s Solid Waste Management Officer, Haitham Farid, noted that beach pollution remains a serious challenge along the Kenyan coastline and called for stricter regulations.

Kenya Coast Guard Services Sub-Lieutenant Deborah Karimi echoed the concern, warning that plastics pose a significant threat to marine life. “We continue to ask beach users to ensure the ocean is preserved. Littering the shores poses a great threat to fish and other marine organisms,” she said.

According to organisers, the camel race and associated events aim to protect ocean resources, conserve cultural heritage, and foster sustainable tourism. The East Africa Ocean Festival is scheduled for October, and stakeholders hope that the race will set the tone for a bigger celebration of Kenya’s marine heritage.

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• camel race
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