Fear and Confusion as Night-Time Tremor Reported in Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira and Kisii Counties
Residents across several counties in western Kenya were left shaken late on Wednesday night after a suspected earth tremor was reportedly felt in parts of Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira and Kisii.
The incident, which occurred at around 11.27pm on December 17, prompted concern among locals who reported unusual ground movement and brief shaking of buildings. According to Volcano Discovery, a global website that monitors seismic and volcanic activity, the tremor lasted for a few minutes and was noticeable across a wide area.
“A possible earthquake might have occurred near Kisii, Homa Bay, Kenya, late in the evening of Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025, at around 11.27 pm local time,” Volcano Discovery said in a preliminary report.
The tremor was reportedly felt in several towns within the four counties, including Oyugis town, which has a population of more than 200,000 people. Residents in Nyambunwa, Awendo, Katito, Kebirigo, Sondu, Rongo, Ogembo and parts of Homa Bay town also reported experiencing weak shaking.
Some residents described the movement as mild but noticeable, with slight vibrations affecting buildings and other structures.
“The ground felt like it moved briefly, and you could sense a small shake in the house,” one resident said, while another noted that the incident caused momentary panic before calm was restored.
However, key details surrounding the event, including its magnitude, depth and any potential impact, had not been officially confirmed by the time of publication.
“Details of the quake are so far unknown until confirmed by a seismic agency, but the event was felt,” Volcano Discovery added. “We will update the status of the event as soon as more information becomes available.”
At the time of reporting, Kenyan authorities had yet to issue an official statement. Agencies responsible for monitoring such incidents, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), had not confirmed whether an earthquake or tremor had occurred.
While the reports caused unease among residents, such incidents are not unprecedented in Kenya, particularly along the Rift Valley system, which is known for occasional seismic activity.
Earlier this year, on May 7, 2025, residents in Nairobi and its surrounding areas reported experiencing similar tremors. The movement was felt between 10.30am and 10.40am, triggering widespread concern across the capital.
At the time, affected areas included Westlands, Parklands, Kangemi and large parts of Nairobi’s suburbs, as well as satellite towns such as Mlolongo.
Authorities are yet to provide further updates on Wednesday night’s incident as residents await official confirmation and reassurance.
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Fear and Confusion as Night-Time Tremor Reported in Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira and Kisii Counties