The government has issued directives ahead of the optional public holiday.

In a notice on October 14, Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Ali Joho gave guidelines on the use of fireworks during Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations.

Joho informed the general public that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will be held from Friday, October 17, to Monday, October 20, 2025.

The CS said these festivities are traditionally celebrated with fireworks in authorized venues.

Consequently, the Hindu community is requested to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out within the requirements of the Explosives Act, Cap 115, Laws of Kenya. Fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public is not inconvenienced.

In this regard, Joho said the parties carrying out displays shall ensure that: –

• The necessary permits to hold fireworks are obtained from the State Department for Mining, County Mining offices.
• Fireworks are used only at the authorized venues such as clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other venue as may be authorized by an Inspector of Explosives.
• The displays are held between 1900hrs and 2300hrs only during the authorized dates.
• Display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch caliber in all venues in urban and built-up areas, except as may be exempted by an Inspector of Explosives.
• Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.

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Joho Message to Firework Dealers

Joho stated that fireworks dealers shall ensure that fireworks are not sold to any child who is below age 13 years.

He explained that such an incident is an offence under the Explosives Act, Cap 115.

The dealers should also ensure that 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.

“We take this opportunity to wish the Hindu Community a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New year,” he said.

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Mining CS Ali Hassan Joho gave guidelines on the use of fireworks during Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations. PHOTO/MyGov.