Meru is a Bantu language spoken by the Meru people of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, and Isiolo counties on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Closely related to Kikuyu and Embu, Meru is spoken by approximately two million people and has its own distinct identity, literature, and cultural traditions. Meru radio stations serve a community known for commercial agriculture — particularly miraa (khat) production and export, tea, and horticulture — alongside food crop farming and small business. Radio programming in Meru covers county government affairs, agricultural market prices (with miraa prices broadcast daily given the commodity's economic importance), music in the Meru style, and cultural programming that addresses the specific traditions and ceremonies of Meru sub-groups including Tigania, Igembe, and Imenti. Meru language preservation is a significant concern given the influence of Swahili and English on younger generations, and radio stations play a role in maintaining language vitality. Stream Meru radio live on Radio.co.ke.
Read: The Complete Guide to Kenyan Vernacular Radio Stations in 2026
