Embu County

The brief

About Embu County

Embu County is located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Kenya, bordering Kirinyaga, Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi, Machakos and Murang'a counties. Embu Town is the county headquarters. Fertile volcanic soils, numerous rivers and reliable rainfall support intensive agriculture. The Embu and Mbeere communities form the majority of the population. Coffee, tea, macadamia, bananas, dairy farming, maize, beans and horticulture drive the economy alongside trade and small industries. The county is known for vibrant cultural traditions including music, dances and oral literature. Historically Embu contributed significantly to Kenya's independence movement and remains an important centre for agriculture, education and public administration. Embu Sub-Counties are:

Embu East Embu North Embu West Mbeere North Mbeere South Mt. Kenya Forest

Population

608,599

Male (54%)

328,733

Female (54%)

328,684

Area

2,821 km²

Sub-counties

6

Capital

Embu