The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, issued directives on Tuesday, October 29, regarding the use of during Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations.
In a notice, Joho asked those in charge of fireworks to carry them out within the confines of the law.
“This is to inform the general public that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will be held from Friday 1st November to Saturday 2nd November 2024. 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 orderly so that the general public are not Inconvenienced. In this regard, the parties carrying out displays shall ensure that” part of the notice read.
Joho issues directives on Fireworks to Diwali organizers
Joho directed firework permits to be obtained from the State Department for Mining offices within the following areas Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.
Furthermore, the Mining CS directed the Diwali and the Hindu New Year Celebration organizers to use fireworks at authorized venues.
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“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 notice read.
Additionally, the Mining CS directed the fireworks displays to be held between 7:00p.m and 11:00p.m only during the authorized dates.
Fireworks dealers
“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,” Joho stated.
Further, the former Mombasa Governor directed the organizers to select only those who are qualified, experienced, and sober people to be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
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At the same time, Joho also issued directives to fireworks dealers instructing them not to sell fireworks to any child who is below the age of Thirteen (13) years as doing so is an offence under Explosives Act, Cap 115.
He urged fireworks dealers to obtain permits that are properly signed by an Inspector of Explosives. “Aerial display fireworks—such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes—are sold only to those who have permits for displaying fireworks, signed by an Inspector of Explosives,” Joho stated.
Moreover, the Mining CS wished the Hindu community a happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year.
About Diwali celebrations
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, celebrated by millions of people worldwide.
Often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival usually occurs on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, typically falling between mid-October and mid-November.
In Kenya, Diwali is not gazetted as a public holiday.
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