The State Department of Mining has issued a directive regarding fireworks display during the New Year celebrations.
The Ministry, under the leadership Ali Hassan Joho as the Cabinet Secretary issued the advisory on December 17, 2024, informing the general public that the use of fireworks during New Year celebrations will only be conducted in venues authorized by the State Department for Mining.
Consequently, the Ministry asked the public to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out within the requirements of the Explosives Act and that they do not inconvenience the general public.
Where to obtain fireworks display permits
Those who have been authorized to carry out the display are required to obtain necessary permits to hold fireworks from the State Department for Mining offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.
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According to the Ministry, the fireworks are to be used only at authorized venues such as clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other venue as may be authorized by an inspector of Explosives
Further, the Ministry has directed that all fireworks must be sourced from licensed fireworks dealers, and the displays should be held between 12 midnight and 12.30 AM on December 31, 2024.
Permits must be duly signed by the inspector of Explosives
Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks during the New Year celebrations.
Also Read: Govt Issues Warning on Fireworks Ahead of Holiday
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As for firework dealers the Ministry has directed that they must ensure that fireworks are not sold to any child who is below age 13 years as doing so is an offence under the Explosives Act.
It has also advised that all aerial display fireworks are sold to holders of permits to display fireworks, and the permits must be duly signed by an inspector of Explosives.
“No person shall purchase or otherwise acquire blasting materials except under the authority of, and to the extent authorized in, a written permit issued by an inspector.
No person shall sell or dispose of blasting materials to any person who fails to produce at the time of the transaction a permit of the type referred to in subsection (1) nor shall any person sell or dispose of any such materials in excess of the quantity referred to in such permit,” reads part of the Explosives Act.
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