Kernu Parish (Estonian: Kernu vald) is a rural municipality in north-western Estonia. It is a part of Harju County. The municipality has a population of 2,077 (as of 1 January 2009) and covers an area of 174.65 km². The population density is 11.9 inhabitants per km².
There are 17 villages in Kernu Parish: Allika, Haiba, Hingu, Kaasiku, Kabila, Kernu, Kibuna, Kirikla, Kohatu, Kustja, Laitse, Metsanurga, Mõnuste, Muusika, Pohla, Ruila, Vansi.
The current mayor (vallavanem) is Enn Karu and chairman of the council (volikogu esimees) is Karl-Erik Tender.
The main symbol in the arm of Kernu Parish is golden vat (est: Kirn). It symbolises the historical first owner of Kernu (his name was Kirnu.
There are two primary schools (in Kernu and in Ruila), kindergarten (in Haiba) and children's home (in Haiba) in the municipality.
Kernu primary school established in the year 1869 and it is situated 39 km from Tallinn. Principal of the school is Ene Rooma (year 2005).
Kernu is a village in Kernu Parish, Harju County in northern Estonia. It is located in the southwestern part of Harju County and is a neighour to Saue, Keila, Vasalemma and Nissi parish in Harju County and Kohila, Rapla and Märjamaa parish in Rapla County.
Kernu estate was established in 1637. The current building owes its stately neoclassical appearance to a thorough renovation executed 1810-1813, possibly by the designs of renowned Helsinki architect Carl Ludvig Engel. The front façade is dominated by a richly decorated portico, while the side facing the park displays a 4-column half rotunda, unique in Estonian architecture.