Earthquake in Kenya: No significant damage

"Did you feel the tremor?" was the question most Kenyans asked at around 7.30pm. The tremor that lasted 10-15 secs was reported in most parts of Kenya, including Meru, Embu and around the Coast region.

An M6.3 earthquake in Indonesia is suspected to have caused the tremors in Kenya.

USIU-A's Incubation and Innovation Centre chairman Scott Bellows confirmed that the tremor was felt, and urged those in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi and Lamu to move to higher ground.

"Leave low lying areas near the beach until given an all-clear after geologists pinpoint earthquake epicentre," he tweeted.

The Meteorological department also confirmed there was an earth tremor with no significant damage. The impact was also felt in parts of Nyeri, Mombasa, Kiambu, Makueni, Nakuru and Naivasha.

Residents of Kamugere village in Embu North subcounty witnessed the tremor between 7.21pm and 7.23pm. Mungania tea factory chairman Julius Munthungu said, “An earthquake of such magnitude has never occurred before in this area.” Resident James Weru said he feared for his safety and that of his family.

The residents called on government experts to explain what happened and assure them of their safety. Kamugere and neighbouring areas have previously experienced landslides that swept away portions of land.

Kenyans on Twitter responded: @MartBlazin said, "Felt some Earth Tremors on my living room, I guess this my first time in my life that I have experienced this, from Nairobi, Kenya." Gashery added, "I felt the tremors at umoja #Nairobi and I couldn’t figure out what that was #earthquake". David Ngua tweeted, "I’m in Parklands Nairobi and just felt tremors. Anyone experienced the same?".