Kenya: Mining CS Joho Issues Fireworks Guidelines Ahead of Diwali Celebrations

What the report says

Kenya’s Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has set new rules for fireworks during Diwali celebrations, limiting displays to a four-hour evening window and requiring organisers to get permits and follow safety conditions. The guidance, reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, was issued ahead of the three-day festivities scheduled for November 6 to 8 in Kenya.

Under the directive, fireworks may be used only from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Joho also said that in urban and built-up areas, fireworks shells may not exceed four inches unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives. Organisers must obtain authorisation from the State Department for Mining, and displays are to be held only at approved venues such as hotels, clubs, temples, sports grounds, school compounds or other locations cleared by explosives officials.

The notice also restricts handling of aerial fireworks to qualified, experienced and sober persons, and limits sales of certain fireworks products to buyers with valid permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives. Children under 13 are barred from buying fireworks. The measures are intended to support Diwali and New Year celebrations while reducing risk and disruption to the public.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu holiday marked by prayers, lamps, family gatherings and fireworks. The report also noted that Kenya’s Hindu community has been seeking recognition of Diwali as a national public holiday, a proposal previously raised with President William Ruto.