On your way to Makutano along the Meru-Nanyuki highway, a significant cultural and historical landmark stands—the Meru National Museum.
More than just a collection of artifacts, it serves as a custodian of the rich history, traditions, and heritage of the Ameru people.
The Meru Museum operates from a historic colonial-era building that once served as the residence of the District Commissioner.
Constructed in 1916, the building was a key administrative centre for the Mount Kenya region during colonial rule.
In 1973, the Meru Municipal and County Councils collaborated with the National Museums of Kenya to transform the building into a museum dedicated to showcasing Ameru traditions. Their vision was twofold: to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Ameru people and to create a tourist attraction in the heart of Meru.
The museum was officially launched in 1974, with George Kiriga appointed as its first curator.
The Meru Museum is home to various artifacts, exhibitions, and even live animals, offering visitors a glimpse into the Ameru people’s way of life. Two of its most cherished features are the medicinal garden and the traditional homesteads.
The museum features a garden filled with indigenous medicinal plants and herbs historically used by the Ameru community. These plants, once essential in traditional healing practices, provide valuable insights into the region’s ancient medical knowledge.
The Museum also has a theatre, where cultural performances, storytelling sessions, and educational demonstrations take place. Here, visitors can experience the oral traditions and folklore that have been passed down through generations.
A walk through the museum’s compound takes visitors back in time as they encounter authentic traditional huts built in the style of the Ameru ancestors.
These huts showcase the architectural invention of the community, reflecting the practical and symbolic aspects of their way of life. The preserved structures allow younger generations to connect with their roots and understand how their forefathers lived.
According to the museum’s senior curator, Wambui Mwangi, the institution serves as an attraction for local and national tourists, as well as filmmakers and researchers.
“The museum is an attraction centre for local and national tourists, filmmakers, and researchers,” she said during an interview with the Kenya News Agency.
To enhance the experience for visitors, the museum has a well-equipped educational tourism department, staffed with knowledgeable guides and interns who offer detailed tours. They provide historical context, explain the significance of the exhibits, and ensure that visitors leave with an understanding of Ameru culture.
The Meru Museum is not only culturally rich but also financially accessible. The entrance fees are set at an affordable rate.
Adults pay Sh100, while children pay Sh50. Additional charges apply to visitors who come for filming, photography, and research purposes.
The museum’s strategic location around Meru town, adjacent to the County Assembly, makes it easily accessible to residents, school groups, and tourists.
On busy days, the museum comes alive with students and visitors of all ages exploring its streets, guided by tour guides.
Beyond being a centre for history and culture, the Meru Museum also serves a practical role in the community.
It features a conference hall that hosts official meetings and historical film screenings. Additionally, the hall is available for rent, providing a source of income.
The impact of the Meru Museum extends beyond its cultural contributions—it also plays a role in the local economy. By offering employment opportunities to curators, tour guides, and administrative staff.
In an era where globalisation and modernisation threaten indigenous cultures, the museum ensures that the Ameru way of life remains documented, celebrated, and passed down to future generations.
The Meru Museum is not just a place to visit—it is a place to experience. Whether you are a tourist seeking to understand the Ameru way of life, a student on an educational trip, a researcher uncovering hidden histories, or a filmmaker capturing cultural stories, the museum offers something for everyone.
It is a reminder of the region’s past, anchoring the community to its heritage while inviting the world to explore and appreciate its unique traditions.
By Dickson Mwiti and Janis Kinyua
