Mariakani town is 36 kilometres northwest of Mombasa, along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.

Its name derives from the Kamba name for quivers  “mathyakani” as it was the hiding place for quivers by long-distance traders before entering Mombasa.

Legend has it that the Sultan, who ruled Mombasa at the time, banned weapons from entering the town.