town, central Kenya, located at an elevation of about 4,400 feet (1,350 metres), about 24 miles (40 km) south of Mount Kenya National Park (see Mount Kenya (Kenya, Mount)). Embu was founded by the British in 1906. Missionary activity increased in the 1930s, and several schools were established. It is a market centre and carries out industrial activities; these include food processing and the manufacture of clothing, footwear, beverages, and furniture. Roads link the town with Meru and Nairobi; there is also an airfield. Pop. (1999) 31,500.