Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has restricted fireworks displays during this year’s Diwali celebrations to between 7pm and 11pm from November 6 to 8.
In a notice dated Tuesday, November 3, Joho urged members of the Hindu community to ensure the displays are orderly and do not inconvenience the public.
He said organisers must comply with the Explosives Act and obtain permits from the State Department for Mining at Madini House in Nairobi or from their respective county mining offices.
Fireworks displays will be allowed at approved venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds. Other venues will require approval from an Inspector of Explosives.
Joho also limited display shells to a maximum of four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas, unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
Only qualified, experienced and sober people will be allowed to handle aerial shells and other aerial fireworks, the CS said.
The ministry informed dealers that there was no need for the selling of fireworks to children below 13 years since this is a crime and may lead to punishment.
The ministry further informed dealers that they should sell the aerial display fireworks like shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes only to those with proper authorization issued by the Inspector of Explosives.
Diwali is the name given to the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus as part of their religion. It signifies victory of light over darkness and victory of good over evil. It is usually celebrated by way of prayers, oil lamps and firework displays.
Diwali in Kenya has been accepted as a public holiday for the Hindus based on the Public Holidays Act. In 2024, President William Ruto promised to make it a national holiday, but the proposal had not been enacted by November 2026.
