The Embu District

Embu is a large, busy town also serving as provincial headquarters of the Eastern Province in Kenya. It is also part of Embu district and lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. It has a population of 31,500 (as of 1999).

The town is known for its jacaranda trees, that literally turn the municipality lavender when they flower. The town rises from the Kavingaci River, up to the Kangaru Schools, a radius of about 10 kilometres. There are numerous recognied institutions within Embu, including the Kangaru Schools, Embu high school and college, East College and Nguviu boys School.

There are numerous, large Christian churches including the Anglican's St. Paul's Cathedral and the Catholic Church headquarters in Mugoya (an estate in Embu). The latter has a unique African-inspired design and is among the largest in Africa.