In the 18th century the Wagogo were mostly pioneer colonists from Unyamwesi and Uhehe, and are often confused with the Sandawe and the Kaguru.
Education institutions in the town include Mount Kenya University, Nkubu High school, Nkubu Primary school, Stella Maris mission day and boarding primary school, Winners Academy, Kenrama Educational Centre, Nkubu Youth Polytechnic, Kanyakine Boys' Boarding school and Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre.