A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck 19 kilometres north-northwest of Masumbwe in Tanzania’s Geita region near Lake Victoria at 12:22 p.m. local time on Thursday, November 5, 2026, sending noticeable tremors into parts of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Earthquake.usgs
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicentre at coordinates 3.464°S, 32.149°E with a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The shallow focus allowed seismic waves to travel widely across the region. Earthquake.usgs
In Kenya, residents reported brief shaking in Nairobi, Murang’a, Kiambu and Kajiado counties. People in Westlands and Ruaka shared accounts of the movement online, with some asking whether others had felt the same sudden motion. Reports also came from areas including Embakasi, Kitengela and Athi River. Similar light to moderate shaking was noted in Kigali (Rwanda), Kampala (Uganda) and Bujumbura (Burundi). Kenyans
No damage or injuries have been reported in Kenya. Early magnitude estimates from monitoring centres briefly ranged higher before settling at the USGS figure of 5.1. The quake occurred on land, so there was no tsunami risk.
East Africa lies along the East African Rift System, where moderate earthquakes occur from time to time. Officials and monitoring agencies advise residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks and to follow standard earthquake preparedness steps: identify safe spots indoors (away from windows and heavy furniture), secure loose items, and have an emergency kit ready.
The event is a reminder of the region’s seismic character even though large damaging quakes remain relatively uncommon. Updates will be provided if significant aftershocks or further official statements emerge.