THE MERU 4X4 MT.KENYA CHALLENGE 2019
June 12, 2019 Motor Comments Off on THE MERU 4X4 MT.KENYA CHALLENGE 2019

Happening in Meru County on the Saturday 15th – 16th Sunday, June 2019 , This years  Meru 4*4 Challenge 2019 is designed to bring 4-wheel drive enthusiasts together from Kenya, with the ultimate aim of successfully completing an off-road adventure, competition. Special Stages are included to test drivers and riders to their limits in extreme off-road conditions. It is the first of its kind organised by the County Government of Meru in partnership with the Champagne Park who have previously held successful events of this kind in the Country.

The Event will kick off on Saturday morning at 09:00am – Nkubu Stadium, where the participants will now head to the first stage of the challenge. This will be via the recently opened up Theemwa route which is the newest and easiest route to climb Mt. Kenya up to point Lenana.(Learn More) The second stage will be at Lake Elis. People can camp here and do fishing from the lake, which has brown trout fish. This is the last point where strong four-wheel drives can reach. The second stage will end at Themwa Gate on your way back to Nkubu which will be end of the day one activities.

Day two will begin at 08:00am with a major challenge at Nkunga Quarry, which will the final activity of the challenge. The prize giving ceremony which the results given will determine the overall champions, 1st Runners up and 2nd Runners up in each class. Scoring will be a combination of
elapsed time, less any penalties incurred by competitors, as specified, in the
competition rules. Other awards will include Most Unique 4×4, Ladies Team and Special
Awards. This will take place at Lake Nkunga which is one of the most unique geographical landforms in Meru. The surface of the lake is covered by a mass of aquatic grass that gives an appearance of a nicely spread-out green floating mat, which in turn gives an aesthetic panorama of the entire lake.(Learn more)

The Event organizer confirmed that this event has been organised with a major emphasis on safety with the competition sections designed to test 4-wheel driving and recovery skills first and foremost.

The event is aimed at increasing the number of tourists both local and international visit Meru county and it is through that the county has committed itself to supporting this great initiative. The county has also offered to cater for the registration fees for the first 30 participants to register for the event.

We will be looking forward to seeing you at this great event that will be run annually.

For more information about the event contact about the event contact 0727 961 300.

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LEWA MARATHON 2019 is COMING UP
June 7, 2019 Sports Comments Off on LEWA MARATHON 2019 is COMING UP

On June 29, Meru County plays host to the 20th edition of the Safaricom Marathon at Lewa Conservancy.

The marathon which kicked off in 2000 is one of its kind where athletes come face to face with all kind of wildlife besides having a breathtaking view of Mt Kenya.

To mark the 20th anniversary, the even organised by Lewa and Tusk trust supported by Safaricom, intends to raise Sh100 million, 20 times than what was raised in the inaugural race 19 years ago.

Proceeds from the marathon have helped over 10,000 children get education, 40,000 people access to healthcare besides supporting infrastructure, conservation and agroforestry efforts in Northern Kenya, Coast and Rift Valley.

There Safaricom Marathon comprises of three race categories including The Full Marathon, Half Marathon and Children’s 5km Race.

The course is set on dirt roads that take the runners on a route through the conservancy – across savannah plains, along river banks and through acacia woodland.

The marathon gives you an opportunity to sample the beautiful landscape of Meru, hospitality facilities and tourist destinations that have rich flora and fauna.

Lewa Conservancy is a world heritage site located along the Meru-Isiolo-Laikipia boundary and is home to a wide array of wildlife including the endangered black rhino.

Lewa is connected to the Mt Kenya forest by the only wildlife underpass in the region that cuts across the Meru-Nanyuki road at Subuiga.

Lewa can be accessed by air since it has private airstrips as well as through Meru, Isiolo and Nanyuki towns.

It is located along the Meru-Nanyuki-Isiolo road with its main entrance located about 4 kilometers from Subuiga junction.

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Opening of Mt Kenya Roads
February 7, 2019 News Comments Off on Opening of Mt Kenya Roads

The opening up of roads leading to the Mt Kenya national Park by the Meru county and national governments is expected to boost tourism in Kenya’s highest peak.

More than 40 percent of the mountain sits in Meru County but the region has not been benefiting from its tourism due to lack of infrastructure.

Meru county government is building a 25 kilometer access road dubbed the Themwe route, that can be accessed from Nkubu town. The national government through funding from the European Union (EU) has also completed the construction of Kalalu Farm- Sirimon Gate- Old Moses Camp Road, that can be accessed from Timau town.

According to governor Kiraitu Murungi, the road will enable tourists access Lake Ellis, as well as the peaks of Mt Kenya. Mountain climbers have been accessing Mt Kenya through Chogoria in Tharaka-Nithi, Narumoru in Nyeri as well as Laikipia and Nairobi counties denying Meru the vital revenue.

“We want Meru residents as well as tourists from Kenya and other parts of the world to easily access the mountain from the Meru side. Locals can easily ride a motorbike on a weekend and enjoy the scenic view of the mountain and lake Ellis. It is possible to achieve one million tourists every year,” governor Kiraitu said.

Meru roads executive Titus Taitumu said the county was spending Sh20 million in upgrading the road. Speaking during the commissioning of the Kalalu Farm-Sirimon Gate-Old Moses road early this year, Roads Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure and European Union (EU) First Counselor Walter Tretton said the improved road would ease access, boost security and rescue operations in the mountain.

The national government has also upgraded the Naromoru Gate – Met Station Road. KWS senior warden Isaac Mugo said Mt Kenya has seen a rise in tourists with 26,000 visitors in 2018 compared to 15,000 in 2017.

Meanwhile, Meru County government intends to use Mountain running sport to boost tourism in Mt Kenya. Meru Sports Council Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the inaugural race will be held at the end of this year. The sport will see athletes run up the mountain to finish at more than 2000 meters above sea level.

According to the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the first mountain race took place in 1068 when a Scottish King needed to select the best messenger. Mountain race started in the United Kingdon in 1895.

According to Wikipedia, mountain running is recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the WMRA has been organizing world championships since 1985.

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