Fireworks will only be allowed for 30 minutes during New Year celebrations, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
In the notice issued on Tuesday, December 17, the government directed that only authorised venues will be allowed to showcase fireworks. Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Hassan Joho, requested that Kenyans apply for authorisation at the State Department for Mining offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu. Joho also stated that display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch calibre in all venues in urban and built-up areas, except as may be exempted by an Inspector of Explosives. He added that all fireworks must be sourced from licensed fireworks dealers.
“Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks,” reads part of the notice. The government has also ordered that fireworks are not sold to any child who is below the age of 13 years.
“Aerial display fireworks (shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes) are sold to holders of permits to display fireworks duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives,” added Joho.
According to Joho, fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public is not inconvenienced.
“Fireworks are used only at the authorised venues such as clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other venue as may be authorised by an Inspector of Explosives,” stated Joho. Under the (Explosives) Fireworks Rules, the government outlaws any breakdown of manufactured fireworks for the extraction of the explosive or using fireworks for any purpose other than that for which they were designed, without the written consent of the chief inspector.
“Any accident resulting in death or serious injury to any person, or in damage to property, by fire or explosion caused by or connected with fireworks shall be reported forthwith to the nearest police station, and the officer in charge of such police station shall thereupon report the accident to an inspector,” mandates the Fireworks Rules.
Failure to report such accidents shall result in a fine of Ksh500,000 in default of payment and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months.
