Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has issued guidelines on the use of fireworks during the upcoming Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations, warning dealers and organisers against violating safety regulations.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, November 3, Joho said the celebrations would run from November 6 to November 8, 2026, with fireworks displays expected at authorised venues across the country.
The CS urged members of the Hindu community to ensure that all fireworks displays comply with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.
“Fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced,” Joho said.
He directed parties intending to organise fireworks displays to obtain the necessary permits from the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House or county mining offices.
Joho further outlined several requirements that organisers must observe during the celebrations.
First, fireworks must only be used at authorised venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds and other locations approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
Second, fireworks displays must take place between 7pm and 11pm and only on the authorised dates.
The CS also directed that display shells must not exceed four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
Additionally, only qualified, experienced and sober individuals will be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
Joho also issued separate instructions to fireworks dealers, warning them against selling restricted fireworks to unauthorised individuals.
He said dealers must not sell fireworks to children below the age of 13, noting that doing so constitutes an offence under the Explosives Act.
The CS further directed that aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, should only be sold to individuals holding valid permits to display fireworks duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
The guidelines are intended to ensure that the celebrations are conducted safely while minimising inconvenience to members of the public.
Joho concluded by wishing members of the Hindu community a happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.
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