Meru Town Location and Economy Activity
Meru Town- Kenya

Meru town

Meru town, valuable Kenya, placed approximately 110 miles (180 km) northeast of Nairobi. Situated withinside the Eastern Highlands at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet (1,600 meters), in a area recognized for its dense oak forests, Meru lies halfway among Mount Kenya to the west and Meru National Park to the east. It is attached via way of means of avenue to Embu and is the tribal centre of the Meru people.

History

Depending upon who one asks, Meru history spans about 270 years.  There are no written records for the first 200 and what may be learned must come from memories of the community’s elders.  The predominant tradition has to do with a place called “Mbwa.”

This tradition tells how the Meruan ancestors were captured by the Nguuntune. (or Nhuuntune, meaning “Red People”) And taken into captivity on the island of Mbwa.  Some analysts interpret this “Red People” tradition as referring to Arabs.

Because conditions were intolerable, secret preparations were made to leave Mbwa. Some analysts interpret Mbwa as related to present day Yemen.  When the day came to leave Mbwa. A corridor of dry land is said to have been created for the people to pass through the Red Sea.  They later followed a route that took them to the hills of Marsabit, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean coast.

There they stayed for some time; however, due to climatic conditions and threat from Arabs, they traveled farther south until they came to the River Tana basin.  The Chuka separated from them there, and inland toward Mt Kenya.  Most traditions say the rest went as far south as Tanzania until finally reaching the Mount Kenya area.

Attractions

  •  Meru National Park
  • Meru National Museum
  • Ngare Ndare Forest
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • Mount Kenya
  • Meru Equator Utamaduni Cultural Centre
  • Nyambene National Reserve
  • Giitune Sacred Forest
  • Devils’ Bridge Waterfall
  • The River Kathita Waterfalls

Hotels around Meru town

  1. Meru Slopes Hotel – located on the outskirts of Meru town, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar.
  2. Alba Hotel Meru – situated in the heart of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  3. Meru Greens Hotel – a 3-star hotel located on Meru-Nairobi highway, this hotel offers guests comfortable accommodation with amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
  4. Meru County Hotel – located in the central business district of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.
  5. Meru Leisure Hotel – located on the outskirts of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
  6. White Star Hotel – located in the heart of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.
  7. Hotel La Pristine Meru – situated in the central business district of Meru town, this hotel offers guests comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.

Subdivisions

  • Igembe
    Tigania (Tiania)
    Imenti
    Tharaka (Saraka)
    Igoji
    Mwimbi–Muthambi
    Chuka (Gicuka)

About Author

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Sabina Kamene