Tremor Shakes Nairobi, Residents Left in Fear as Seismic Activity Spreads Across the City
Residents across Nairobi were left shaken—both literally and emotionally—after experiencing an earth tremor on Wednesday morning, triggering fear and speculation across various estates and suburbs.
The tremor, which reportedly occurred between 10:30 am and 10:40 am, was felt in several parts of the capital, including Westlands, Parklands, Kangemi, and the satellite town of Mlolongo. Witnesses described weak shaking that caused buildings and light structures to tremble briefly, sending people rushing outside for safety.
“I was in the office when the desk started moving slightly. At first, I thought I was dizzy, but everyone else noticed it too. It was scary,” said a resident working in Westlands.
According to Earthquake Monitor, a platform tracking seismic activity worldwide, the first earth movements were reported in Mlolongo town at approximately 07:36 GMT (10:36 am local time), before the tremor extended to surrounding areas. While the magnitude and depth of the seismic event remain unconfirmed, preliminary reports suggest mild ground shaking consistent with low-magnitude tectonic movement.
“We are receiving unverified early reports of ground shaking possibly caused by seismic activity in or near Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya,” Earthquake Monitor stated. “More accurate data will emerge soon.”
This incident follows a similar event that rocked Kenya’s Coastal counties just over a week ago. On Sunday, April 28, a tremor struck Mombasa and Kilifi counties at around 4:17 pm, with residents reporting strange ocean behavior and strong ground vibrations.
Data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) revealed that the coastal quake reached a depth of 10 kilometers and was recorded by 13 different seismic stations. The tremor was strongly felt in areas such as Vipingo, Watamu, Malindi, Takaungu, and Voi—marking it as the most powerful ever recorded in Kenya’s coastal region.
While Kenya is not commonly known for major seismic activity, experts have noted that tectonic shifts along the East African Rift could be responsible for the increasing frequency of mild tremors.
As authorities and geologists continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols during such incidents.
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Tremor Shakes Nairobi, Residents Left in Fear as Seismic Activity Spreads Across the City