Teacher Who Resigned to Start Museum

An artefact (left) and ladies dressed in traditional regalia (right at Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre in Meru
An artefact (left) and ladies dressed in traditional regalia (right at Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre in Meru
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Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre

When Joshua Murithi quit his job to set up a museum in Meru, everyone, including his close family members thought twice about his new venture. 

Murithi rued his 9 am to 5 pm job as a teacher of Kiswahili, lamenting that it was monotonous and inflexible. 

Right inside his heart, the teacher held dear his dream of keeping artifacts that would preserve the Ameru culture. This prompted him to tender his resignation in 2018, at the age of 35 to chase that which mattered most to him. 

“The Kenyan education system is short of practical knowledge. For instance, in History classes, all that is taught is theoretical and pure storytelling,” said Murithi in an interview with KTN News

Ameru traditional setup at Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre
Ameru traditional setup at Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre
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Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre

Murithi converted his 2-acre piece of land in Meru into a collection of artifacts from the Ameru cultural history, a move that close family members even doubted would pay off. This led to the birth of Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre.

The centre now boasts of traditional artifacts as well as the historical journey the community went through.

Murithi also set up a classroom setting where learners from schools across the region attend theoretical sessions as well.

He takes the learners through the artifacts, expounding on what they symbolise and their significance.

The centre has also won various awards in several competitions, a feat the Meru County Government recognises.

“Through arrangements with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), Murithi represented us in a cultural event in Kisumu, where we won the competition,” said Meru County Executive Committee Member for Tourism Maingi Mugambi.

“After winning the Kisumu edition, we got an opportunity to compete in France where Murithi won yet again at a cultural event,” added Mugambi.

Murithi has diversified his museum to not only act as an archive for culture but also a centre that promotes change in the community.

Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre in Meru
Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre in Meru
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