Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. Shaped like a harp, the Republic of Kenya is a beautiful country with diverse topography. With an estimated population of more than 52.4 million as of mid-2024, Kenya is the 27th-most-populous country in the world and the 7th most populous in Africa. Kenya's capital and largest city is Nairobi. The second-largest and oldest city is Mombasa, a major port city located on Mombasa Island. Other major cities within the country include Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Kenya has more than forty ethnic groups. Among these is the Kikuyu, representing 22 percent of the population. Kamba, 6 percent Kisii, and 6 percent Meru. comprise approximately 15 percent of the population. The official languages are English and Kiswahili (or Swahili). English is the language generally used in government and business.
This article delves into the history, geography, economy, and tourism of Meru District, a region located on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation.
Location of Kenya in Africa.
Historical Overview
Kenya and the East Coast of Africa have been mentioned in historical records by Roman and Greek sailors dating back to the first century. There are also writings by Arab voyagers like Al Masudi and Ibn Batuta from the seventh and tenth centuries. On the other hand, Kenya’s history dates back to the time when hominids first appeared on earth and archaeological finds in the Great Rift Valley point to the fact that man probably originated here.
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The earliest people to populate Kenya were possibly Cushitic-speaking tribes that arrived here from Ethiopia in 2000 B.C. As more tribes continued to arrive from different parts of Africa, the land witnessed much strife between them. It was not until the 900’s that Arab merchants settled here, setting up trading posts.
The European advent in Africa began with the 1498 arrival of Vasco Da Gama in Mombasa. But by the onset of the 18th century, the Arabs had managed to drive out the first Portuguese settlers. In the year, 1884 to 1885, the Congress of Berlin spilt Africa among the different European countries and Kenya became a part of the British Empire. They built the Uganda Railway to connect Uganda to the coastal ports, and soon the region was flooded with Britishers looking to tap the country’s commercial possibilities.
The early 20th century saw a Kenya struggling under economic slavery until the first revolutionary, Harry Thuku, began an unsuccessful revolt in the 1920’s. Kenya’s freedom struggle began with Jomo Kenyatta, who became the president of the independence organization, Kenya African Union in 1944. With diplomatic support and sheer resistance, Kenya finally achieved independence in 1963 and Kenyatta was elected the first President in 1964.
Geographical Landscape and Climate
Kenya’s geography is finely divided into four separate zones. With the Great Rift Valley running through it, Kenya is privileged to host some of the lakes of the valley, some alkaline while the others fresh with constant seismic activity still occurring under them. Central Kenya comprises of an elevated, stunning green section spread around its three mountain ranges, Mount Kenya, the Mau and the Aberdares. In stark contrast, about one-third of Kenya is made up of hot arid regions that receive very little rainfall.
Meru County’s position on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl. This has influenced the atmospheric conditions leading to a unique variation of micro climates and agro-ecological zones. The drainage pattern in marked by rivers and streams originating from catchment areas such as Mt. Kenya and Nyambene Range. These cut through the hilly terrain on the upper zones to the lower zones and drains into the Tana and Uwaso Nyiro Rivers.
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The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. The high land masses lessen the effect of high temperatures and rate of evaporation and cause them to loose a greater amount of moisture than its low-lying areas. The south and south east slopes of Mt. Kenya receive more rainfall (between 1250 and 2250 mm. The drier northern and eastern areas receive less than 500 millimetres of rainfall a year. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. The climate ranges from temperate with a 20 C mean temperature in the higher altitude areas around Mt.
Map of Kenya's regions.
Economic Activities
Today, Kenya’s economy is largely based on agriculture and makes up a third of its total domestic product. Many cash crops are produced here such as coffee, tea, cashew nuts and various grains, and the country processes them for sale in both domestic and global markets in Europe, Asia, America, Middle East and Australia. Kenyan farms also produce corn, fruits, vegetables and flowers that find their way into urban and international markets, and sold along with handcrafted goods and other items.
Most of Kenya’s land resources are under the control of the native government but in the years beginning from the 1990’s, the colonial government had been selling it to private and commercial investors. Under British rule, Kenyans were only allowed to grow food in the least fertile sections of farmlands. After independence, these farmers took over the land and formed small farm holdings or shambas.
The major land use in Meru County is mainly for agricultural activities for both crops farming and livestock-keeping. Other uses include cultural and forestry conservation. There are large scale farming carried out by private companies in Timau. These are mainly for wheat farming with Kisima being the largest in the county. Livestock farming is also done on group ranches in Tigania and Igembe.
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Besides agriculture, tourism travel plays a vital part in contributing to Kenya’s international currency reserves and the creation of local jobs. Kenya has a number of terrestrial and marine wildlife reserves and parks that are a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. Most common Kenyans work on a daily wage basis in industries such as construction, small crafts and mechanics. The mining industry is another source of income and employment for Kenyans.
The country has another very valuable resource, that of Kilindini Port in Mombasa that serves as a central harbor for importing and exporting goods to many inland countries like Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. The port is linked to the other countries through a network of roads and railway lines.
Major urban centres in Meru County are Meru, Maua, Nkubu, igoji and Muthara. Meru County is served by one airstrip; Gaitu airstrip in Meru Central which has been updated to serve more flights. Meru County is well served with a fairly good road network with many areas being accessible during all season. The county has 1,259.9 kms of road network of which 225.7 kms is bitumen, 266.7 km gravel, and 767.1 kms of earth surface.
Demographics
The population density in Meru County is more or less fairly distributed among the nine constituencies with the average density in the county being about 282 people / km2 in 2012. Population density ranges from a low of 134 in Buuri constituency to a high of 544 in Igembe South ergo Meru County has a population growth rate of circa 2.1 per cent. The 2012 projected population of the county stood at 1,443,555; which was projected to be 1,536,422 in 2015 and 1,601,629 in 2017.
These existing resources are not likely to be able to sustain Meru’s tremendous growth rate of population. As such, there is a likelihood that the land will not be able to provide employment for growing population. The people are likely to be pushed out of the fragile agricultural economy that’s no longer expandable.
Tourism and Attractions
Tourism industry is fairly developed in Meru County, with Meru National Park being the major tourist site. Lewa conservancy, that’s privately owned, attracts tourists and competitive sports like cross country, rhino charge and marathon. The county also has Mt. Kenya which is a major tourist destination.
Kenya Safari VLOG - Exploring Meru National Park
Kenya has a number of terrestrial and marine wildlife reserves and parks that are a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. These vacationers also contribute by shopping for the Akamba handicrafts that Kenya is so famous for.
Some of the destinations in Meru County include:
- Kierra Valley
- Kierra Ridge
- St. Mary’s High School
- Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill
- Tharuu Springs
- Giitune Sacred Forest
- M.Mpuri Cultural Centre
- Meru Museum
- St.
Elephants in Meru National Park.
Transportation
You can access Kenya from any part of the world by way of flights to Nairobi or Mombasa or even on a cruise ship that dock on the island of Mombasa. Since many international flights cater to global travelers, you could find varied options from Europe, America, Asia, Middle East and Australia. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the south of Nairobi is Kenya’s main hub.
Meru County is served by one airstrip; Gaitu airstrip in Meru Central which has been updated to serve more flights. Meru County is well served with a fairly good road network with many areas being accessible during all season.
While in Kenya, lightweight aircraft with either single, twin or four engines that can carry 3 to 50 passengers are available via AfricanMecca, and these planes can land on the private airstrips closest to your safari accommodation. Upon landing, your guides will meet and transfer you to your camp or lodge for check-in.
Facts and Figures
| Attribute | Data |
|---|---|
| Location | East Africa |
| Capital | Nairobi |
| Second-largest city | Mombasa |
| Population (2024 est.) | 58,246,378 |
| Official Languages | English, Kiswahili |
| Area | 569,140 sq km (219,746 sq miles) |
| Independence Day | December 12, 1963 |
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