The city of Nairobi today experienced a series of mild earth tremors that left many residents alarmed.
The tremors rippled around buildings between 10:30 and 10:40 am on Wednesday 7th May, 2025.
Eyewitness reports have alleged the tremors could have lasted several minutes in the process shaking highrise buildings and causing a panicked exit from offices. The confusion and alarm was excercebated by the lack of any prior warning from the meteorological department.
Westlands, Kangemi and Parklands are said to have been the epicenter of the tremors. Other places were Mlolongo and outlying areas.
Shortly after the tremor Kenyans took to social media feverishly asking about the welfare of kin and expressing hope that it was not the start of something worse.
Unverified reports indicate the tremor could have measured 4.2 in intensity on the Richter scale. A tremor transitions into an earthquake when its intensity, as measured on the moment magnitude scale, exceeds 5. Tremors are generally smaller and less intense ground movements, while earthquakes are more forceful and widespread shaking resulting from the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere.
Authorities have yet to provide a conclusive report on the magnitude of the tremor. No injuries or damages were documented but city residents have remained on high alert waiting for information from government agencies.
According to experts, although Nairobi is not known for frequent seismic activity, occasional tremors can still take place due to tectonic movements in the East African Rift system.
Emergency response teams are monitoring the situation closely. Citizens have been urged to remain calm and avoid spreading panic as the situation is monitored. Residents have also been urged to rely on updates and safety tips as released by official channels.
The incident has sparked fresh debate on the city’s disaster preparedness and significance of early-warning-systems.
An official report is expected before the end of the day.
Leave a Reply