Maralal is a small hillside market town in northern Kenya, lying east of the Loroghi Plateau within Samburu County. It is the administrative headquarters of the Samburu people. The town has an urban population of 16,281 (1999 census []). The market was pioneered by Somali settlers in the 1920s.
Nearby is the Maralal National Sanctuary. Maralal is also home to Kenyatta House, the location where Jomo Kenyatta was detained prior to his release. The famous Maralal International Camel Derby hosted by Yare Safaris is held here, and the town also serves as a base for numerous tourist activities such as bush walking, whitewater rafting and camel riding. This is a tourist-friendly town with many cheap hotels and welcoming people.
Coordinates: 1°06′N 36°42′E / 1.100°N 36.700°E