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Embu is a small town in Kenya, located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Nairobi toward Mount Kenya. Embu serves as the provincial headquarters of Eastern Province in Kenya and is also the capital of Embu District. Located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the town of Embu has a population of 41,092 (as of 1999). ^[1] The town is also the main trading centre for the Embu tribe (Aembu) of central Kenya. The town has an elevation of 1350 metres (4429 feet). It was founded in 1906 by the British settlers.

The town of Embu, Kenya is known for its jacaranda trees, that literally turn the municipality into a pink shower when they flower. The jacaranda trees lose their green leaves and become solid purple when they bloom, usually in October-November each year, depending on the rainfall.

The town of Embu rises from the Ruvingaci River, up to the Kangaru School as well as from Njukiri forest in the west to Muthatari in the East, a radius of about 10 kilometres (6 miles) in size. The main town (center) however is very small and be crossed in a few minutes. Embu has a small airport.

Dallas, an estate in the town is known mostly for its diverse inhabitants. It is truly cosmopolitan.

There are numerous recognised educational institutions within Embu. The schools and universities include the Kangaru Schools,Kamama school, Embu high school and college, East College, Nguviu boys School and Embu Lions Primary School.

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

Contents 1 History 2 See also 3 Notes 4 References 5 External links

Embu shares the history of Kenya.

• Nyeri - nearby town.

1. ^ "Population of Local Authorities" (with towns), Government of Kenya, 1999, webpage: GovtKenya-Population-PDF

Coordinates: 0°32′S 37°27′E