His Eminence Cardinal John Njue - Pic/Files

The home county of His Eminence, Cardinal John Njue, has Mount Kenya as the most scenic physical feature. The mountain is an inviting piece of nature that is hard to resist. As one travels through the region, especially for the first time, one cannot help but stare and marvel at the towering beauty. Embu town the main town of Embu county is said to serve residents of the larger Kirinyaga and especially Gichugu area as it is closer to them. The Embu residents welcomed the idea of Kenyans abroad taking Embu to the next level.

Region Environment

Embu is an agricultural region.  Most farms in the region are covered with food crops a majority being bananas, Irish potatoes, cabbages, maize, beans, yams , cassava, millet, sorghum, arrow roots, tea, macadamia and coffee. In fact, one can be forgiven for believing that most residents in this region engage in tea and coffee farming more. The area also has a lot of trees and with Mount Kenya nearby, this explains why the area experiences a lot of rainfall. In fact, the weather in this region is very cool and suitable to people who do not like hot places.

Main Economic Activities

One cannot dispute that Embu town is full fledged town with all facilities that come with a town. Residents of Embu and especially Embu Town engage in a lot of business. From boutiques to insurance firms, M-Pesa services, prominent shoe shops like Bata, electronic shops, supermarkets and shops all litter this town.

Residents of this area are true farmers. Those who engage in farming do not only provide food to other Embu residents but their produce finds its way to other parts of the country especially Nairobi and the world. Mungania Tea Factory serves tea farmers who sell their produce to it hence serving a big purpose in the region.  One of the things that stand out is the market.  It is so rich in foods available for sale that one is left to wonder at how much food a region can produce. 

The town boasts of many facilities including Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), The Kenya Post Office, A police Station and a Government Training Institute among other facilities that the region is proud of.

Education Levels Achieved and People’s Aspirations

When it comes to education, this region has not been left behind.  Well known tertiary institutions like Embu College, Chuka University College Embu Campus, The Kenya Medical Training College - Embu and East College can be found in the region.  Embu College is especially significant because it collaborates with a lot of other colleges to provide programs that it would otherwise not be able to provide on its own.  In fact plans are underway to see it become a fully functioning university that local residents will be proud of. 

Buildings and Settlements

This town like most other towns has buildings that range from four to six floors. The sportsman’s building is one such example.  The town like most other county towns has its common problems including how to handle garbage. One can also tell that most of the buildings found in the town are old perhaps due to the fact that the town is among the oldest in Kenya.