The government has issued a directive ahead of the upcoming optional public holiday scheduled for this week.
In a statement dated Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will take place from Friday, October 17, to Monday, October 20, 2025.
He outlined several guidelines to be followed during the festivities.
“This is to inform the general public that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will be held from Friday, October 17, to Monday, October 20, 2025. These festivities are traditionally celebrated with fireworks at authorized venues.
Consequently, the Hindu community is requested to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Explosives Act, Cap 115, Laws of Kenya,” read part of the notice.
Govt Issues Directive Ahead of Diwali Festival
According to the Mining CS, fireworks displays should be conducted in an orderly manner to prevent inconvenience to the public.
Also Read: CS Joho Orders Simba Cement to Shut Down Mining Site
In this regard, the parties conducting displays shall ensure that:
- They obtain necessary permits from the State Department for Mining and County Mining offices.
- Fireworks are used only at authorized venues such as clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other venue approved by an Explosive Inspector.
- Displays are held only between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. during the authorized dates.
- Display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch caliber in urban and built-up areas unless exempted by an Inspector of Explosives.
- Only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals are permitted to fire aerial shells and other aerial fireworks.
The Mining CS also issued directives to fireworks dealers, stating that they must ensure Fireworks are not sold to anyone under the age of thirteen, as doing so is an offense under the Explosives Act, Cap 115.
Additionally, aerial display fireworks, which include shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes, are sold only to permit holders authorized to display fireworks, with permits duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
About the Hindu Holiday Celebrations
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, celebrated by millions worldwide.
Often called the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Also Read: Ruto Speaks on Making Diwali a National Holiday
The festival typically takes place on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, usually falling between mid-October and mid-November. In Kenya, however, Diwali is not gazetted as a public holiday.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
