The Gabbra camel is the second largest native camel breed in Kenya. It is named after the Gabbra communities in Marsabit County. This breed is highly adapted to the extreme rocky desert conditions of the Chalbi Desert and tolerates severe drought better than any other camel breed in Kenya. Its light coat allows it to thrive in hot and dry environments.
Gabbra camels have a light creamy to whitish coat with short hair. Their average height at the withers is 1.8 meters, abdominal girth 2.45 meters, and hump circumference 1.27 meters. Mature camels weigh between 300 and 550 kg.
They produce 1–3 liters of milk per day, with lactation lasting 12 to 17 months. Camels reach first calving at 5 to 6 years. Compared to Somali camels, Gabbra require slightly less feed, grazing 8–10 hours per day, and they perform well under poor pasture conditions and rough terrain.
While Gabbra camels tolerate drought better than Somali camels, they produce lower milk yield and mature later. Their cream or light brown coat, moderate size, and resilience make them ideal for harsh arid environments.