Tanzania earthquake felt in Nairobi and parts of Kenya; no damage reported

A moderate tremor from a Lake Victoria quake in Tanzania was felt across Nairobi and neighbouring counties on Thursday, with no casualties or structural damage reported so far.

What happened

A moderate earth tremor was reported in Nairobi and neighbouring counties on Thursday, November 5, after an earthquake in the Lake Victoria region of Tanzania [1][3]. Nairobi, Murang’a, Kiambu and Kajiado were among the areas that experienced it [1][3]. According to [1], the tremor was recorded at approximately 12:27pm East African Time. [3] says the main shock struck Tanzania at about 12:22 PM East African Time and that seismic waves reached Kenya within five minutes.

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not explain why the topic is drawing searches. They describe what people felt and said. Several Kenyans confirmed they had felt the tremor, and residents of Tassia, Pipeline in Embakasi, Kitengela, Athi River, Westgate or Westlands, and Kisii reported it, though [1] notes these claims were unconfirmed [1][3]. Many people said they were initially confused and wondered whether they were dizzy or feeling heavy traffic [3]. The reports sparked widespread reactions online [1].

Key facts

• Magnitude: Initial automated alerts registered 5.6, and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) later revised it to 5.2 [1][3].
• Conflicting figure: A separate post cites a 6.4 Richter scale quake lasting 30 seconds, felt in parts of Rwanda [2]. This does not match the EMSC figures in [1] and [3].
• Epicentre: About 14 to 17 kilometres east of Ushirombo, in Tanzania’s Geita region, at a depth of 10 kilometres [1][3].
• Distance from Nairobi: Approximately 986 kilometres, according to EMSC data [1].
• Timing: [1] and [3] give 12:22pm or 12:22 PM East African Time for the quake in Tanzania. [2] gives 11:22 without a time zone, so the two times do not match.
• Damage: No casualties or structural damage were reported in Kenya [3]. No damage has been reported so far [2].
• Region: The tremor was also felt in Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, with no casualties or damage reported there [3].
• Recent history: [3] lists earlier tremors in parts of Nairobi in May 2025 and along the Mombasa and Kilifi coast in late April 2025.

What to watch

Follow-up is ongoing [2]. Geologists note that most tremors from regional epicentres lose intensity before causing significant structural damage in Kenya, but they serve as a reminder of the forces beneath the East African Rift Valley [3]. Watch for updated EMSC figures, since the initial magnitude was already revised [1][3]. Also watch for any reports of damage, and for clarification of the conflicting magnitude and time figures.

Sources

1. [1] 'Earthquake' Reported in Nairobi and 3 Other Counties - Kenyans.co.ke
2. [2] Earthquake in Tanzania's Geita Region and Rwanda sends tremors across Kenya | The Eastleigh Voice - The Eastleigh Voice
3. [3] Tanzania earthquake sends tremors across parts of Kenya - Nairobi Law Monthly - Nairobi Law Monthly

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.