Months after the road to the top of Mt. Kenya was commissioned by Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Meru County hosted its first mountain event dubbed #Meru4x4Challenge. The event took place over the weekend with the route launching event presided over by the Meru Deputy Governor Hon. Titus Ntuchiu.

This was a two day event which kicked off at Theemwe which will be the newest entrance route to Mt. Kenya National Park through the County. The entrance route will be accessed through Gitimbine, Nkubu and Chogoria towards Lake Ellis 13,000 ft. up the mountain.

Hon. Ntuchiu said that the opening up of the road to Lake Ellis is a big boost to tourism in the County, in line with Governor Kiraitu’s agenda to make tourism sector a major contributor to achievement of the Vision of Making Meru Great.

“After witnessing the excitement exuded by participants of the Challenge and how much they have enjoyed the amazing, relaxing, magical view of this magnificent lake, I want to take this opportunity to welcome mountaineers and other lovers of adventure from our County, other counties in Kenya and internationally to Meru County and to Lake Ellis. I wish to inform them that our government is serious on investing in infrastructure to promote tourism and best enjoyment of life here in our County for all,” said the Deputy Governor.

Speaking at the event, the CEC member for Tourism, Trade and Industry Maingi Mugambi said that his Department is working to ensure that the Meru 4 by 4 Challenge Competition becomes an annual mountaineering event, expected to greatly boost the tourism sector as an income earner to the County economy. He also announced that the County Government is well on course to organize the first Mountain Marathon in Meru in August this year on Mt. Kenya, which is also expected to bring large numbers of tourists to the County.

Lands and Urban Planning CEC member and the acting CEC member Youth and Sports Jeremiah Lenya who also accompanied the Deputy Governor at the launch, said that the close working relationship between the two Departments has proven that sporting events can be used to promote tourism.

Other speakers at the event were KWS’s Mr. Isaac Mugo, the senior Warden for Mt. Kenya National Park and Mr. Kenneth Muthuri, from KFS who is the Meru County Ecosystem Conservator. Mr. Muthuri lauded Governor Kiraitu’s Government for the improved working relationship with the two agencies as opposed to the previous regime, saying that this has seen major development activities in the ecosystem which will greatly benefit Meru County people through coordinated and sustainable exploitation of available resources. He said that Governor Kiraitu has been very instrumental in lobbying for the Sh70 million funding which has been granted by the Ministry of Mining, for conservation activities in Meru County which will avail more opportunities to the residents.

Other participants at the launch were the Chief Officer for Tourism Titus Murungi, Sports Chief Officer Mercy Ndiira, North Imenti Sub County Admin Anderson Kathendu, and various partners who included Baraka Credit and the event organizers Champagne Park / teams of the Meru County 4 by 4 Challenge Competition.

On June 29, Meru County plays host to the 20^th 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 20^th 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.