CS Joho Warns Dealers, Event Hosts As Government Regulates Diwali Fireworks Displays

Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho has issued strict regulations governing fireworks displays ahead of the three-day Diwali celebrations, scheduled to run from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026.

In a directive issued on Tuesday, November 3, the Ministry limited fireworks displays to the hours between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM across the three festival days, emphasizing that all activities must strictly adhere to national safety standards.

“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 are not inconvenienced,” CS Joho announced.

Permits and Approved Venues

Organizers wishing to host fireworks displays must obtain official permits from the State Department for Mining at Madini House in Nairobi or through regional county mining offices prior to their events.

Under the new guidelines, displays are strictly confined to authorized venues, including:

• Registered clubs, hotels, and sports grounds

• Hindu temples

• School compounds

Any alternative venue will require explicit written clearance from an Inspector of Explosives.

Safety Rules, Calibre Limits, and Dealer Rules

To prevent accidents in populated centers, the Ministry set technical limits and operational rules:

• Calibre Restrictions: Aerial display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas, unless granted a special exemption by an Inspector of Explosives.

• Personnel Standard: Only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals will be permitted to ignite aerial shells and high-altitude fireworks.

• Sales Restrictions: Fireworks dealers are strictly prohibited from selling fireworks to children under the age of 13—an offense under the Explosives Act that carries severe financial penalties.

• Permit Verification: Dealers may only sell specialized aerial fireworks (such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes) to buyers presenting valid permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.

Diwali’s Significance and Holiday Status in Kenya

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, marks a central period on the Hindu calendar symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The holiday is traditionally celebrated through prayers, family gatherings, oil lamps (diyas), exchanging gifts, and fireworks.

In Kenya, Diwali is recognized under the Public Holidays Act as a specific holiday for members of the Hindu faith rather than a national public holiday.

Although President William Ruto pledged in 2024 to formally declare Diwali a nationwide public holiday observed on November 1 annually, the proposal has not been enacted into law. As of November 2026, the celebration remains a designated public holiday exclusively for the Hindu community.