Njuri Ncheke Museum

Regional Museums in Meru

Meru Museum: House of Local Governance

The Njuri-Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru is one the most important historical and cultural centres of the Meru community. Used for many years as the headquarter, it was donated in 1985 to the National Museum of Kenya to be held in perpetuity on behalf of the people of Kenya. Originally founded in the 1960’s, the oval-shape brick holding with a lofty domed roof, remarkably still in good condition, was in its heydays dubbed Nyomba ya Njuri or the House of Njuru Ncheke, a meeting house for the panel of clan judges. Still holding merit in modern day Ameru prerogatives, this high-standing institution of local governance is the indigenous institution of administration in Meru is forever and a day old. Also filling a judicial role, it is the apex of the native judicial system and its edicts apply across their entire society.

It offers a rare glimpse of the well-guarded process and sagacity of the supreme governing council of elders and the revered Meru traditional judicial system. It’s here that the elders meet to discuss serious matters that involve their community and to settle far-reaching strifes involving the Meru people. After independence, Njuri Ncheke experienced a lull that saw the shrine abandoned, left to vandalism and theft of rare hardwood used in its roofing. It is important to note that each of the Meru sub-tribes have their own unique Njuri-Ncheke Shrine. Another easily accessible Ameru shrine is Rwerea Shrine located in Mikinduri about 1 km from Mikinduri Center along Mikinduri-Mlango Road, the court of Tigania sub-tribe.


The regional museums in Kenya offer a fascinating journey through the country’s history and heritage. They look back at ancient civilizations, cultures as they were centuries ago, cottage industries, colonial legacies, and archaeological finding – in specialization or as a combination – to give insights on the past and present.


Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.

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The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. 

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