Editor's Review
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has issued guidelines on the use of fireworks during the Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations, scheduled to take place from November 6 to November 8, 2026.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has issued guidelines on the use of fireworks during the Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations, scheduled to take place from November 6 to November 8, 2026.
In a public notice on Tuesday, November 3, CS Joho said the Hindu community should ensure that fireworks displays comply with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.
“This is to inform the general public that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will be held from Friday 6th November to Sunday 8th November 2026. 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 are not inconvenienced,” the notice read.
Read More
Under the guidelines, organizers are required to obtain necessary permits to hold fireworks from the State Department for Mining Offices at Madini House or County Mining Offices.
CS Joho said the fireworks displays should only be conducted at authorized venues and in an orderly manner to avoid inconveniencing members of the public.
“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,” he said.
The CS said the displays should be held between 7 pm and 11 pm only during the authorized dates, and the display shells should be limited to a maximum of four-inch caliber in all venues in urban and built-up areas unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
“Only qualified, experienced and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks,” added Joho.
Further, the Mining CS warned fireworks dealers against selling fireworks to children below the age of 13.
He directed dealers to ensure that aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, are only sold to individuals holding valid permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
“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,” the CS added.
Additionally, Joho wished members of the Hindu community a happy Diwali and a prosperous Hindu New Year.
“We take this opportunity to wish the Hindu Community a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New year,” the notice concluded.
Diwali is a significant holiday celebrated by the Hindu Community worldwide. The holiday is marked to celebrate good triumphing over evil.
Often known as the festival of lights, the celebrations are marked by a display of fireworks.
The holiday is traditionally observed over a span of five distinct days, each carrying specific rituals.
In October 2024, President Ruto announced that the government will consider the request of the Hindu Community to make Diwali a national holiday.
President Ruto noted that the request had to go through various government institutions for approval.
"I have heard your request on the issue of us having Diwali as a national holiday. I will undertake to subject it to the process of government. The speaker is here, and if it has to happen, it has to go all the way to Parliament," said Ruto.
He continued, "I want to assure you that we will have made a decision by the next Diwali."
