Residents at Equator Point Trading Centre, Gatimbi in Meru County were left confused after it was anounced that the 'Equator Point' would be moved 1km towards Meru town to Kariene ka Moi.
A signboard reading 'This sign is on the Equator' has for decades been a popular spot for tourists who rush to snap photos next to it.
It is the signboard that led to the growth of the centre with businesses sustained by the visitors who purchase items from various small stores during their trips.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), in collaboration with the Meru Tourism and Trade Department, engaged experts who established the true equator point.
"Using the GPRS system we discovered it was not at the right place so we worked to identify the correct position,” explained CEC member Maingi Mugambi.
[caption caption="The new Equator signboard at Kariene Ka Moi"]
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A new signboard was erected 5km from Meru town at the border of Central Imenti and North Imenti sub-counties.
Disappointed Gatimbi residents questioned how the initial measurements were taken, lamenting that their businesses would be affected by the change.
"The Government put that signpost indicating this area is on the Equator in 1975. Now we are being told the Equator is a kilometre away.
"What had they used to wrongly place the Equator line here? A ruler?” posed the elderly Mbursar Mbwiri who runs Equator Land and Property Agents.
On the other hand, Kairene Ka Moi residents were excited more by a pledge from the county to support the establishment of curio shops and other businesses around the area to promote tourism.
“We are very happy but confused at the same time. This area was originally called Mwiramwanki. Then retired President Daniel Moi made a stop here a long time ago and (mistakenly) said he was glad to be at Kariene, yet the real Kariene is a little farther ahead. We said if Moi says this is Kariene so be it and we renamed it.
"But now the Government tells us we are on the equator and now we have to rename this area again from Kariene ka Moi to Equator,” stated Jasper Kirianiki.
[caption caption="A section of Meru town"]
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