Meru County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya, located in the former Eastern Province. The county lies between 0o6′ North and 0o1′ South and between latitudes 37o West and 38o East. It borders Isiolo County to the North, Tharaka/Nithi County to the East, Nyeri County to the South West and Laikipia County to the West. It covers a total area of 7,006 Km2 out of which with part of it 972.3Km2 being gazetted as forest.
It has a population of 1.55 million people. Meru County is the home of the Ngaa people (Meru), who are related to other ethnicities living around the Mount Kenya region: the Kikuyu, Embu people and to some extent the Kamba people Also, peoples from the east coast of Kenya, along the Indian Ocean, like the Bajuni, Swahili, Mijikenda, and further inland, the Taita, Taveta and westwards to the Lake Victoria coast, the Kisii and Maragoli as well as other Luhya people, are all related to the Meru.[4]
The county headquarters is in the town of Meru. The current governor of Meru County is Hon. Kiraitu Murungi of Jubilee Party. The deputy governor is Titus Ntuchiu and the women representative is Kawira Mwangaza.
Physical and Topographic Features
Mount Kenya (now politically divided between Meru and other counties) has been greatly influenced by the climate of the coast especially the eastern slopes of the mountain with Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m above sea level. Many rivers have theirs streams originating from the mount Kenya and Nyambane streams. Tana and Ewaso Nyiro Rivers are highly depended for domestic and agricultural use.[5]
Climatic Conditions
The county experience an average temperature range between 8c at the minimum and 32c being the highest. Annual rainfall ranges between 300mm per annum on the lower midlands to 2500mm in the South East. Long rains fall from mid-March to May and short rains begins from October to December.
Demographics
The county has a total population of 987,653 of which 489,691 are males, 497,942 females and 20 intersex persons. There are 244,669 household with an average household size of 4.0 persons per household and a population density 6 people per square kilometre.[7]
Administrative and Political Units
Administrative Units
There are nine sub counties, thirty five divisions, one hundred and sixty one locations and three hundred and eighty six sub-locations.[8]
Sub-Counties
- Buuri Sub-County
- Igembe North Sub-County
- Igembe South Sub-County
- Igembe Central Sub-County
- Imenti North Sub-County
- Imenti South Sub-County
- Tigania Central Sub-County
- Tigania East Sub-County
- Tigania West Sub-County
Political Units
It has nine constituencies and forty five county assembly wards.[9]
Constituencies
- Buuri Constituency
- Igembe North Constituency
- Igembe Central Constituency
- Igembe South Constituency
- North Imenti Constituency
- South Imenti Constituency
- Central Imenti Constituency
- Tigania East Constituency
- Tigania West Constituency
Political Leadership
Kiraitu Murungi is the second governor and was first elected 2017 general elections after Defeating the Peter Munya the first governor Peter Munya was later appointed by president Uhuru Kenya into his cabinet as Ministry of Trade and Industrialization and later transferred to Ministry of Agriculture to replace the Mwangi Kinjuri after being sacked. His deputy is Titus Ntuchiu Mutea. Franklin Mithika Linturi
is the Senator and replaced Kiraitu Murungi in 2017 after the latter opted to run for governorship position Kawira Mwangaza is the second elected women representative and she won in 2017 against Florence Kajuju who was the first elected women representative.
For Meru County, the County Executive Committee comprises:
| Number | |
|---|---|
| The Governor | 1 |
| The Deputy Governor | 1 |
| The County Secretary | 1 |
| The CEC Members | 10 |
| Total | 13 |
Source
Members of Parliament 2017-2022 (Meru County)
- Kawira Mwangaza – Elected Meru County M.P 2017 as an independent candidate
- Bonface Gatobu Kinoti as an Independent Candidate Member of Parliament Buuri Constituency.
- Richard Maore Maoka of The National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament Igembe North Constituency
- Cyprian Kubai Iringo of Orange Democratic Party (ODM) Member of Parliament Igembe Central Constituency
- Mithika Franklin Linturi of The National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament Igembe South Constituency.
- Abdul Rahim Dawood of Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) Member of Parliament North Imenti Constituency.
- Kathuri Murungi of The National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament South Imenti Constituency.
- Gideon Mwiti Irea Member of Parliament Central Imenti Constituency.
- Kabeabea, Josphat Gichunge Mwirabua of Party of National Unity (PNU) Member of Parliament Tigania East Constituency.
- Dr. John K. Mutunga Jubilee Party (JP) Member of Parliament Tigania West Constituency
Education
There are 1,437 ECD centres 1,030 primary schools and 372 secondary schools. The county has also 7 tertiary institutions, 6 special schools 7, 483 adult education centres and 7 university campuses. Meru university of science and technology and Meru national polytechnic are the largest education centers in Meru county
List of Secondary Schools in Meru County
1. Kaaga Girls’ High School – Girls Boarding – 15304102
2. Kaaga Boys Boys Secondary – Boys Boarding – 15304103
3. Gikumene Girls’ Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15304106
4. Kirige High School – Boys Boarding – 15304107
5. Nthimbiri Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304110
6. Ng’onyi Boys Secondary School – Boys Day – 15304112
7. Meru Muslim Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304113
8. Irinda Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304114
9. Mwirine Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304115
10. Kinoru Day Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304116
11. Mwithumwiru Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304117
12. CCM Meru Township Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304118
13. Ntakira Girls Day Secondary – Girls Day – 15304119
14. Kiamiriru Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304120
15. Mpuri Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304121
16. Kaing’inyo Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304122
17. Mwiteria Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304123
18. Kirige Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304124
19. Gachanka Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304125
20. Giaki Girls Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304201
21. Chugu Boys Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15304202
22. Mulathankari Girls High School – Girls Boarding – 15304204
23. Thuura Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304205
24. Nkabune Girls Secondary – Girls Boarding – 15304206
25. Minithu Secondary School – Girls Day – 15304207
26. Kiburine Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304209
27. Bishop Lawi Imathiu Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304210
28. Munithu Mixed Day – Mixed Day – 15304211
29. Runogone Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304212
30. Mulathankari Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304213
31. Kathirune Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304214
32. Rwanyange Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304216
33. Chung’ari Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15304217
34. Nkabune Day Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304218
35. Kambiti Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15304220
36. Bureiruri Boys Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15309101
37. Kangeta Girls’ Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15309102
38. Njia Boys Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 5309103
39. Kilimamungu Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15309104
40. Nturuba Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309105
41. Thamare Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309106
42. Kangeta Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309107
43. Nkinyang’a Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309108
44. Maua Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15309201
45. Nthare secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15309202
46. Kiegoi Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15309203
47. Ntuene Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15309204
48. Kilalai Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309206
49. Auki Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309207
50. Gitura Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309208
51. Kaurine Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309210
52. Matiandui Secondary School – Mixed Day- 15309211
53. Igembe Boys’ Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15309301
54. Amwamba Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15309302
55. Athiru Gaiti Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309303
56. Karumaru Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309304
57. Kirindine Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15309305
58. Makivenzi Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15315501
59. Ndalani Secondary School – Mixed Boarding – 15315504
60. Matuu HGM Memorial Girls High School – Girls Boarding – 15315505
61. Mavoloni Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315506
62. Kithimani HGM Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315507
63. Kivingoni Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315509
64. St Phillips Matangini Secondary – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315511
65. Kivandini Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315512
66. Kithendu Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315513
67. Mbembani Secondary – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315514
68. Kilango Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315516
69. Kalikuni Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315519
70. Kiwanza Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315522
71. St. Mary’s Yatta Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315523
72. Kaluluini Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315524
73. Katangi Secondary – Mixed Boarding – 15315601
74. Kyasioni Secondary – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315602
75. Kitheuni Secondary – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315603
76. Maiuni Secondary – Mixed Day – 15315604
77. Ikombe Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315605
78. Kyua Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315606
79. Fr. Makewa High School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15315608
80. Yumbuni Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315609
81. Ngumbulu Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15315610
82. Syokisinga Secondary School – Mixed Day- 15315611
83. Bishop Paul Mutua High – Mixed Day – 15315612
84. Mekilingi Secondary School – Mixed Day- 15315614
85. Abothuguchi Secondary – Boys Boarding- 15318101
86. Nkando Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15318102
87. Ruiga Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding- 15318103
88. Kirigara Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15318104
89. St. Bonaventure Ruiga Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318105
90. Mugambone Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318106
91. Kirirwa Mixed Day School – Mixed Day – 15318108
92. Kariene Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318109
93. Mariene Mixed Day School – Mixed Day – 15318110
94. Ntonyero Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318111
95. Nyweri Mixed Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318112
96. Kiria Mixed Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318113
97. Tabata Day Mixed Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318114
98. Holy Family Nkuene Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318115
99. Kirigara Day Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318116
100. Mwanganthia Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15318201
101. Gaitu Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15318203
102. Kaongo Girls Secondary – Girls Boarding – 15318204
103. Mukuune Mixed Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318205
104. ACK St. Paul’s Makandune Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318206
105. Karaene Mixed Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318207
106. Gaokene Mixed Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318208
107. Kiamuri Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318209
108. Kibirichia Boys Secondary – Boys Boarding – 15318301
109. Keeru Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 5318302
110. Kithirune Girls’ Secondary – Girls Boarding – 15318305
111. Kibirichia Girls Secondary – Girls Boarding – 15318306
112. Katheri High School – Mixed Boarding – 15318307
113. ithongo Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15318308
114. Kinjo Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15318309
115. Mucheene Secondary School – Mixed Day & Boarding – 15318310
116. Karugwa Girls’ Secondary School – Girls Day & Boarding – 15318311
117. Gakando Girls Secondary School – Girls Day & Boarding – 15318312
118. Kaguma Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318313
119. Kianthumbi Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318315
120. Ruibi Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318316
121. Ntugi Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318317
122. Kithirune Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318318
123. Muri Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318319
124. Ntumburi Day Mixed Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318320
125. Muthangene Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318321
126. Mbwinjeru Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318322
127. Murinya Day Secondary – Mixed Day – 15318323
128. Kathiranga Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318324
129. Kinjo Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318325
130. Mburugiti Mixed Day Secondary School – Mixed Day – 15318326
131. Nkubu High School – Boys Boarding – 15319101
132. Nkuene Mixed Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15319103
133. Nkuene Girls High School – Girls Boarding – 15319104
134. Ukuu High School – Girls Boarding – 15319105
135. Kathera Secondary – Boys Boarding – 15319106
136. Mikumbune Secondary School – Boys Boarding – 15319107
137. Kathera Girls Secondary School – Girls Boarding – 15319108
138. Nyagene Girls’ Sec School – Girls Boarding – 15319109
139. Uruku Girls Sec School – Girls Boarding – 15319110
140. Kithunguri Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319111
141. Nkumari Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319112
142. Kathanthatu Mixed Day Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319113
143. A.C.K Mitunguu Mixed Day Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319114
144. Kaubau Day Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319115
145. Kigarine Mixed Day Sec School – Mixed Day – 15319116
Health
There is a total of 460 health facilities, 995 hospital beds and 73 cots in the county. County has 1325 health personnel of different cadre.[40]
HIV prevalence rate was 2.9% in 2017 lower than the national rate of 5.9%.
Transport
The county is covered by 1,259.9 Km of road network ac. of this 767.5 km is covered by earth surface, 266.7 km is marram surface and 225.7 km of surface is covered by Bitumen.
However, during the rainy seasons, some sections of gravel and earth surface roads are impassable. The major tarmac roads in the county includes: Embu-Meru -Maua; Meru – Nanyuki; Meru – Mikinduri; Meru- Githogo; and Meru-Ruiri -Isiolo roads. The county is served by one airstrip; Gaitu airstrip in Meru Central which has been improved to serve more flights.
Posts and Telecommunications
There are six post offices and four sub-post offices with 7,600 installed letter boxes, 5,937 rented letter boxes, 1,663 vacant letter boxes with numerous registered stamp vendors in the county. The six post offices are in Meru, Maua, Nkubu, Timau, Muthara and Laare towns which offer mail services and parcel delivery among other services. Most private and public organizations have embraced ICT in the day-to-day operations. Private entrepreneurs have continued to set up cyber cafes in major towns and trading centers due to high demand for internet services among others. Most of the areas in the county are covered by mobile phone network with the coverage being 95per cent. Areas without mobile network coverage are mainly areas of Tigania bordering Isiolo. Most of the community members rely on radio, Television and Newspapers as the major sources of information.
History
In 1992, the former Meru District was split into Meru Central District, Meru North District, Meru South District, and Tharaka District[44] In 1998, Tharaka District was again split into Nithi District and Tharaka District. A Supreme Court decision in September 2009 ruled that the split had been unconstitutional, and the first two of these were re-amalgamated into Meru District, which became Meru County in 2010. The same ruling amalgamated Meru South, Tharaka and Nithi districts into Tharaka-Nithi District, which became Tharaka-Nithi County in 2010.
Population
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1,102,930 | — |
| 2009 | 1,356,301 | +23.0% |
| 2019 | 1,545,714 | +14.0% |
| source: |
| Constituency Name | Number of wards | Wards |
|---|---|---|
| Imenti North | 5 | Municipality, Ntima East, Ntima West, Nyaki East, Nyaki West |
| Imenti South | 6 | Abogeta East, Abogeta West, Igoji West, Igoji East,Nkuene, Mitunguu |
| Imenti Central | 4 | Abothuguchi Central, Abothuguchi West, Kiagu, Mwanganthia |
| Buuri | 5 | Kiirua Naari, Timau, Kisima, Kibirichia, Ruiri Rwarera |
| Tigania West | 5 | Kianjai, Nkomo,Mbeu, Akiithi, Athwana |
| Tigania East | 5 | Muthara, Special, Karama, Kiguchwa, Mikinduri, Thangatha |
| Igembe Central | 5 | Kangetra, Njia, Igembe East, Akirang’ondu, Athiru Ruujine |
| Igembe South | 5 | Akachiu, Kanuni, Kegoi Antobuchiu, Maua, Athiru Gaiti |
| Igembe North | 5 | Amwathi, Naathu, Antubetwe Kiongo, Antuambui, Ntuene |
| Total | 45 |
