Meru, Kenya

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Meru, Kenya

Region: Meru

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Geographic Coordinates: 0.050000, 37.650000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 1833000

Language: Meru

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Meru is a town in the eastern part of Kenya, About 200 kilometers from Nairobi. It serves as the capital of Meru County and has a population of over 240, 000 people. The town sits at an altitude of approximately 1, 550 meters above sea level and experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Meru was established in the early twentieth century as a trading center for agricultural products such as coffee, Tea, And miraa. Today, It remains an essential commercial hub for these goods and services alongside other products.

Tourism is also significant to Meru’s economy due to its proximity to various national parks and wildlife reserves. Mount Kenya National Park is one such attraction located south of Meru. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views of Mount Kenya’s peak standing at over 5, 000 meters tall. Hiking trails through lush forests teeming with wildlife like elephants, Buffalos, Leopards and monkeys are also available. Another popular destination near Meru is Samburu National Reserve located northeast of the town. This reserve hosts several endangered species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe alongside other big game like lions and cheetahs.

Meru also boasts rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience by visiting local villages or museums such as the Meru Museum showcasing traditional artifacts like musical instruments used by various tribes living around Mount Kenya. The Amerus (also known as Merus) who are Bantu-speaking farmers; And Borana who are pastoralists that keep cattle on vast grasslands stretching across northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia make up most residents in this region with unique customs worth exploring for visitors interested in learning about Kenyan cultures.

Infrastructure-wise, Meru has several hospitals, Schools (including a university), Banks shopping centers restaurants among others amenities including an airport -the Meru-Mulika Lodge Airstrip- serving small planes flying to various destinations within Kenya. Meru is a vibrant town with much to offer visitors seeking adventure or cultural experiences. Its proximity to national parks like Mount Kenya and Samburu make it an ideal base for exploring some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife habitats while its rich culture provides a glimpse into the lives of rural Kenyans.

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1. Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve
2. Meru National Park
3. Ngene-Ngene Falls
4. Nkunga Forest Reserve
5. Maua Methodist Hospital
6. The Njuri Ncheke Shrine
7. Timau River Lodge
8. Meru Museum
9. Muthara Forest & Waterfall Trail
10. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

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1. Agriculture
• Coffee
• Tea
• Miraa (khat)
• Maize
• Beans
• Fruits and vegetables
2. Manufacturing
• Textiles
• Food products such as flour and animal feeds
3. Education
• Meru University of Science and Technology
4. Healthcare
• County referral hospital
5. Tourism
• Mount Kenya National Park
• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
6. Retail business
• Supermarkets
• Shops
• Stalls
7. Transport
• Bus services within the region
• Long-distance travel to other parts of Kenya

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1. The Meru people: The Meru are an ethnic group that has lived in the region for centuries. They have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
2. Mwiti Kathirimu: A prominent leader of the anti-colonial Mau Mau movement in Kenya, Kathirimu was born in Meru in 1925. He played a key role in organizing resistance against British rule.
3. Dedan Kimathi: Another important figure in the Mau Mau rebellion was Dedan Kimathi, who was born near Nyeri but had close ties to Meru. He led guerrilla fighters against British forces until his capture and execution in 1957.
4. The Battle of Kithangari: In 1953, British forces attacked a group of Mau Mau fighters at Kithangari Hill near Meru town. Although the rebels were outnumbered and outgunned, they managed to hold off the British for several hours before retreating into nearby forests.
5. The Tharaka-Nithi County Assembly building collapse: In 2018, a newly-built county assembly building collapsed during heavy rains, killing one person and injuring several others.
6. Mount Kenya National Park: Located partly within Meru County, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Africa’s highest peaks as well as diverse wildlife such as elephants and leopards.
7. Wangari Maathai: Although she wasn’t from Meru herself (she was born near Nyeri), Maathai’s Green Belt Movement planted millions of trees across Kenya starting from her hometown which includes parts of what is now Tharaka-Nithi County which borders on Meru County. She became an internationally recognized environmental activist before her death in 2011.

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1. Meru National Museum
2. Njuri Ncheke Cultural Centre
3. Mount Kenya National Park
4. The Maua Methodist Hospital and School of Nursing Museum
5. Meru County Assembly
6. The Timau River Lodge
7. Murera Springs Eco Lodge
8. Gikumene Cultural Centre
9. Ngarendare Forest Reserve and Waterfall Trail
10. The Imenti House Museum

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• Meru United FC is a local football club in Meru County that has been competing in the Kenyan National Super League for several years.
• Another notable team is the Meru Rugby Football Club, which has been active since the 1970s and competes in various rugby leagues across Kenya.
• Additionally, there are several schools and colleges in Meru that have their own sports teams with varying histories of success.

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Cultural Events

1. Ameru Festival is an annual celebration of the Meru people’s culture and traditions, featuring traditional dances, music, food, and crafts.
2. Njuri Ncheke Cultural Festival is held every two years to celebrate the cultural heritage and traditions of the Njuri Ncheke council of elders from all over Meru.
3. Imenti Cultural Festival takes place annually in Imenti North constituency to celebrate the culture of the Imenti people through traditional dances, music, food, and sports.
4. Kibirichia Cultural Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kibirichia town through traditional dances, music, food, and crafts.
5. The Meru Agricultural Show is an annual event showcasing agricultural products from farmers in Meru County as well as other parts of Kenya.
6. The Mount Kenya Music Festival is held annually at Chogoria Boys High School in Tharaka-Nithi County near Meru County border to promote local talent in music.
7. The Meru Goat Auction Fair happens twice a year (June & December) where farmers bring their goats for auctioning.
8. The Meru Street Food Festivals happen occasionally throughout towns within Meru county showcasing different street foods available within its culinary culture.

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Cuisine

1. Nyama Choma is a popular dish in Meru, consisting of grilled meat such as goat or beef. Some restaurants that serve nyama choma include Kwa Mwiti and Kwa Njau.
2. Mukimo is a traditional dish made of mashed potatoes, beans, and vegetables like kale or spinach. It’s usually served with nyama choma or stewed meat and can be found at many local restaurants in Meru.
3. Chapati is a staple flatbread in Kenyan cuisine that’s commonly sold by street food vendors in Meru.
4. Mandazi are deep-fried pastries similar to doughnuts that are often enjoyed with tea for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.
5. Mama’s Kitchen is a restaurant that specializes in traditional Kenyan dishes like ugali (maize meal), sukuma wiki (stewed collard greens), and githeri (a mixture of maize and beans).
6. The Albaik Grill House offers various grilled meats like nyama choma, chicken tikka, and fish kebabs.
7. The Mugz Cafe & Grill serves both Kenyan and international cuisine including burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches.
8. The Coffee Garden Restaurant & Lounge Bar located within the Meru Slopes Hotel serves continental to local cuisine such as mukimo and chapati.
9. The Secret Garden Cafe & Restaurant offers coffee along with snacks like sandwiches, pastries, etc. It also has an outdoor seating area surrounded by beautiful garden.
10. The Spice Hut is an Indian restaurant serving authentic Indian food such as biryani, curries, etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Meru National Park is a large wildlife reserve that is home to various species of animals and birds.
2. Ngusishi Forest Reserve is a beautiful forest that is perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
3. The Meru Museum showcases the history and culture of the Meru people, making it an important cultural museum.
4. Kina Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Tigania West that’s great for picnics and camping.
5. Mount Kenya National Park, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers diverse flora and fauna, hiking trails, and mountain climbing opportunities.
6. Nkunga Forest Reserve provides habitat to various species of birds, primates, and other animals since it’s an indigenous forest.
7. Chuka Hills Forest Reserve offers hiking trails, picnic sites, and camping facilities making it another important conservation area.
8. Maua Botanical Garden & Arboretum showcases different plant species found in Kenya through its garden.
9. Karimikui Dam serves as a recreational spot where you can go fishing or enjoy boat rides.
10. Meru County Stadium caters to sports enthusiasts who can watch or participate in various sporting activities such as football matches.

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