| Magnitude | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 1928 | Baringo, Baringo, Kenya |
| 6.5 | 1964 | Dongobesh, Manyara, Tanzania |
| 6.5 | 1919 | Jinka, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Ethiopia |
| 6.3 | 1987 | Jinka, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Ethiopia |
| 6.3 | 1937 | Turmi, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Ethiopia |
| 6.2 | 1928 | Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Kenya |
| 5.7 | 2013 | Kigorobya, Western Region, Uganda |
| 5.6 | 2007 | Bunia, Eastern Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| 5.6 | 1991 | Kigorobya, Western Region, Uganda |
| 5.6 | 1977 | Ilongero, Singida, Tanzania |
| 5.5 | 1990 | Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya |
| 5.5 | 1990 | Mto wa Mbu, Arusha, Tanzania |
| 5.4 | 2007 | Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania |
Introduction
Kenya, located in East Africa, is not typically associated with earthquakes. However, the region has experienced significant seismic activity in the past, including a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 1928 near Baringo, Kenya. This article provides an overview of earthquakes in Kenya, including the latest quakes, strongest earthquakes since 2022, and historical seismic activity in the region.
Latest Earthquakes in Kenya
Kenya has experienced several earthquakes in recent years, with the most recent one being a magnitude 4.4 quake on June 22, 2024, 117 km ENE of Mtito Andei, Kenya. This quake was felt by many people in the region, with reports of shaking and vibrations in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other areas.
Strongest Earthquakes in Kenya Since 2022
The strongest earthquake in Kenya since 2022 was a magnitude 5.0 quake that occurred in Ethiopia on November 11, 2023. This quake was felt in several areas of Ethiopia, including the capital, Addis Ababa.
Historical Seismic Activity in Kenya
While Kenya has few earthquakes, those that do occur can be quite significant. The region has experienced several earthquakes with magnitudes above 6.0 in the past, including a 7.0 magnitude quake in 1928 near Baringo, Kenya. Other significant earthquakes in the region include a 6.5 magnitude quake in 1964 near Dongobesh, Tanzania, and a 6.5 magnitude quake in 1919 near Jinka, Ethiopia.
Earthquake Risks in Kenya
Despite the infrequency of earthquakes in Kenya, the region is at risk of experiencing significant seismic activity due to its location on the East African Rift Valley. This tectonic feature, which runs from the Afar Triple Junction in the north to the Zambezi River in the south, is a continental rift zone where the African Plate is splitting into two separate plates.
Conclusion
While Kenya is not typically associated with earthquakes, the region has experienced significant seismic activity in the past. The latest quake, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake on June 22, 2024, was felt by many people in the region. The strongest earthquake in Kenya since 2022 was a magnitude 5.0 quake that occurred in Ethiopia on November 11, 2023. The region’s location on the East African Rift Valley makes it at risk of experiencing significant seismic activity in the future.
References ———- “East African Rift Valley.” National Geographic. Retrieved June 25, 2024. “M 6.7 – 33 km WNW of Nyahururu, Kenya.” USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. Retrieved June 25, 2024. “The Largest Earthquakes in Kenya.” Earthquake Track. Retrieved June 25, 2024. “Kenya Earthquakes: Latest Quakes | VolcanoDiscovery.” VolcanoDiscovery. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
