The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has issued guidelines regarding the use of fireworks for New Year celebrations.
In a public notice, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho noted that the use of fireworks has been authorized but must adhere to the Explosives Act Cap 115 Laws of Kenya.
The notice emphasizes that fireworks displays must be conducted in a way that does not inconvenience the general public. Parties involved in organizing fireworks events are required to ensure compliance with specific conditions laid out by the government.
The notice states that permits to hold fireworks displays must be obtained from the State Department for Mining offices located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.
The use of fireworks will only be allowed at authorized venues such as clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, or other places approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
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To ensure public safety, the notice states that all fireworks must be sourced exclusively from licensed dealers.
Additionally, the notice directed that fireworks displays must only take place between 0000hrs and 0030hrs on December 31, 2024.
The government has also limited the caliber of fireworks display shells to a maximum of four inches in urban and built-up areas unless special exemptions are granted by an Inspector of Explosives.
Additionally, only experienced, qualified, and sober individuals are permitted to handle and fire fireworks during displays.
The notice further directed that dealers are strictly prohibited from selling fireworks to children under the age of 13.
On the other hand, aerial fireworks, such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes, must only be sold to individuals holding permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
