The tallest building in Meru (8 floors)

Residents of Meru call the Miraa tree a miracle tree. They say, “Here money grows on trees. Whenever one harvests a part of the tree for sale, by the next day the tree miraculously grows back to its original height ready for the next harvest.” This they believe is a miracle since it enables them make money everyday and can only be likened to the Manaa story of the bible where the Israelites miraculously received food everyday without working for it. Meru is the home town of the Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere, the Assistant Minister for Education Kilemi Mwiria and the former Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Mathura. This may explain why residents say the town is very secure. Meru is a region rich in beautiful scenic natural resources and one should make a point of visiting the region just to enjoy nature the way God put it from the beginning of time.

Region Environment

Meru is a very hot region typical of the weather of Eastern Province. Meru Town is built on the slopes of Mt. Kenya thus inviting one to gaze at the beauty of this Mountain everyday. As one travels in the region, one comes across many rivers that serve the residents of this area, the most prominent being the Nithi river that has created a black spot on its bridge, the Nithi Bridge. Another very important river is the Kathita River.  The significance of this river cannot be overemphasized as it is the one that supplies residents of Meru town with the water they use everyday. Residents of this area speak the Meru language yet they say the meaning of the word ‘Meru’ in the Kikuyu language means bananas. This may explain why the area has a lot of bananas. The region is an area of agricultural affiliation. Food grows every where. Even inside the town one cannot fail to notice the passion and banana trees growing.

Main Economic Activities

Most locals engage in Miraa Farming. This has put the region on the map as one of the main suppliers of Miraa not only locally but internationally. They are also the main producers and suppliers of Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, groundnuts, wheat and passion fruits. They also farm a lot of bananas and vegetables. Beef farming is also largely practiced.  The price of meat in Meru town is very low as compared to other regions. The number of butcheries is also high and one is spoilt for choice. The town also has a lot of other facilities that bring income to the region including the Mount Kenya National Park and Meru National Park. The town also boasts of a central bank depository unit. Some of the industries found in the region include Kisima Flour, a whole wheat industry and Mafuko Industries for bread.

One unique element of Meru town is that one cannot find bodaboda operators. Owners of private vehicles use their cars as taxis to ferry people within the town. The fares are as low as twenty shillings. Residents here do not like walking and the terrain of the region cannot allow for bodabodas hence a booming taxi business.

Education Levels and People’s Aspirations

The Catholic Church has invested heavily in education in Meru with schools like St. Mary’s Special School and St. Joseph’s School for the handicapped existing because of the church. The region boasts of institutions such as Kenya Methodist University, Mt. Kenya University, Aga Khan University Hospital, African Nazarene University, Kenya Medical Training College, Meru Teachers Training College, Nkabune Teachers Training College and Meru University College of Science and Technology.

Many locals say that it is easy to start a school in the region.  They say the process of getting a license was made easy to allow for as many schools as possible to be set up in the region. This was also to entice anybody who wanted to go to university to find it easy to do so.  I also learn that all this was brought about by a culture of dropping out of school early to get married. Many children dropped out of school to get married and have many children. Locals say that they believe one should have as many children as possible so that the Meru people are as many as possible.  Some believed and even today still believe that if one has only one child, he or she can become an outcast. As I engage residents of Meru I learn this culture is to be blamed on parents who encouraged their children to get married and reproduce as many children as possible.  

Buildings and Types of Settlements

The tallest building in Meru town is still under construction. “It has eight floors and once completed, it will also be the most beautiful building,” locals say pointing at the building. Currently, the tallest completed and functional building is the Royal Prince Hotel with six floors followed by Yarahim with five floors. The Royal Prince hotel is famous for accommodating tourists who come to visit Mount Kenya. Most homes range from permanent to semi permanent structures. The region is densely populated.