Meru Bets on Culture to Revive Tourism Through Murera Gate Festival
By Dickson Mwiti
Meru County is turning to its rich cultural heritage to revitalise tourism, create economic opportunities and promote wildlife conservation through the inaugural Ameru Cultural Festival held at Murera Gate of Meru National Park.
The three-day festival beginning from October 1- 3rd was organised by the County Government of Meru through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, brought together cultural practitioners, artists, residents, tourism stakeholders and leaders to celebrate Ameru traditions while exploring ways of linking cultural heritage with wildlife tourism.
The event featured traditional music and dance, indigenous cuisine, traditional attire, artefacts and storytelling, providing a platform for communities to showcase their identity and preserve their heritage for future generations.
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, who opened the festival, was accompanied by his Deputy Linda Kiome, Members of the County Assembly and other county leaders.
The festival sought to promote culture, tourism, wildlife conservation and community unity, positioning Meru as a destination where cultural experiences complement wildlife safaris.
The Governor said the event presented an opportunity to give Ameru traditions greater visibility while encouraging visitors to explore the county’s cultural heritage, indigenous foods, landscapes and communities.
He observed that promoting culture could strengthen the tourism economy by creating opportunities for artists, artisans, food vendors, accommodation providers and other small businesses. The county government is considering legislation to institutionalise the festival and make it a permanent feature of the cultural tourism calendar.
The festival also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, customs and practices associated with the Imenti, Tigania and Igembe communities. Cultural displays provided opportunities for intergenerational learning and enabled local artists and artisans to showcase their products to potential customers.
Meru County is seeking to raise the profile of Meru National Park, which covers approximately 870 square kilometres and is known for its diverse wildlife, rivers and landscapes. The park is also associated with Elsa the Lioness, made famous through the book and film Born Free.
By encouraging visitors to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, the county hopes to increase tourist stays and spending while creating opportunities for local businesses in accommodation, transport, food, crafts and guided tours.
Wildlife conservation was another key focus, particularly the need to address human-wildlife conflict affecting communities living near the park. Wildlife damage to crops and threats to livestock can undermine community support for conservation when residents do not adequately benefit from tourism.
The festival provided an opportunity to promote dialogue on peaceful coexistence and sustainable natural resource management. Approaches such as bee fences and chilli-based deterrents have been highlighted as possible ways of reducing wildlife incursions into farms and homesteads.
The event also underscored the potential of cultural tourism to support youth employment and entrepreneurship through traditional crafts, performances and locally produced goods.
The Murera Gate festival could complement other regional cultural events, including the Ura Gate Cultural Festival in neighbouring Tharaka-Nithi County, creating opportunities for collaboration in promoting heritage, conservation and tourism.
Its long-term success will depend on sustained marketing, community participation, partnerships with tour operators and investment in tourism infrastructure. Measuring visitor numbers, business earnings and conservation awareness will also be essential in determining its impact.
The initiative seeks to transform cultural heritage into a sustainable source of income while strengthening community involvement in protecting Meru’s wildlife and natural environment.
