Tremor reports emerged across Nairobi and neighbouring counties on Thursday afternoon after an earthquake in northwestern Tanzania sent seismic waves across parts of East Africa.
Residents in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a and Kajiado reported feeling the ground shake at about 12:27pm, shortly after the earthquake was recorded near Ushirombo in Tanzania.
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Tremor linked to Tanzania earthquake
Preliminary seismic data initially placed the earthquake at magnitude 5.6, although later assessments revised the figure to around magnitude 5.1 to 5.2.
The epicenter was located east of Ushirombo in northwestern Tanzania, with the earthquake occurring at about 12:22pm East African Time.
The event was shallow, with some monitoring data placing it at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
Seismic readings are often revised as more monitoring stations submit data and agencies analyze the event in greater detail.
Nairobi residents report shaking
Reports of shaking were received from several parts of Nairobi and its outskirts, with residents describing brief movement in buildings and homes.
Similar reports came from areas in Kiambu, Murang’a and Kajiado counties, including Kitengela and Athi River.
There were no immediate confirmed reports of injuries, collapsed buildings or major infrastructure damage in Kenya following the tremor.
Tremor felt beyond Kenya
The Tanzania earthquake was also reportedly felt in other parts of East Africa.
Light or weak shaking was reported in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, including Kampala, Kigali and Bujumbura.
The wide area over which the shaking was felt reflects how seismic waves can travel significant distances from an earthquake’s epicenter.
Similar event recorded in 2025
Nairobi and surrounding areas have experienced similar tremors linked to seismic activity in northern Tanzania before.
In May 2025, residents in areas including Westlands, Parklands, Kangemi and Mlolongo reported ground movement after a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Longido in Tanzania.
Kenya lies close to the wider East African Rift System, a geologically active zone where earthquakes and tremors occasionally occur.
Authorities had not reported any major damage from Thursday’s event by the time of publication.
