The Ministry of Mining has issued guidelines governing the use of fireworks during the upcoming Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations, warning dealers and event organizers against violating regulations under the Explosives Act.
In a notice dated November 3, 2026, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced that the celebrations will run from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The State Department for Mining directed organizers to obtain the necessary permits from its offices at Madini House or county mining offices before holding fireworks displays.
“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,” read part of the statement.
Rules and Guidelines
According to the notice, fireworks will be permitted only at authorized venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds, and other locations approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
The ministry further restricted fireworks displays to between 7 pm and 11 pm on the three authorized dates.
Organizers were also directed to ensure that display shells do not exceed four-inch caliber in urban and built-up areas unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
Additionally, only qualified, experienced and sober individuals will be allowed to handle aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
Fireworks dealers were warned against selling the products to children below the age of 13, an offence under the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.
Dealers were also instructed to sell aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, only to individuals holding permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
Is Diwali a National Public Holiday?
Although Kenya’s Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) recognizes Diwali, it does not apply as a nationwide public holiday.
The law categorizes it under Part III, which provides for Hindu religious holidays, meaning the observance is specifically recognized for members of the Hindu community.
The question of granting Diwali broader national recognition was raised by President William Ruto in October 2024.
The Indian leadership had asked the President to honour them as all other major religions have national public holidays.
Also Read: Kenyan Teachers Over the Moon as 80-Day Holiday Kicks Off
In response, President Ruto, who had hosted Diwali Celebrations at the State House, said the government will deliberate and make the day a public holiday from 2025.
“I will undertake to subject it to the process of government,” the President said.
However, no legislation has been passed to extend the holiday’s recognition to all Kenyans to date.
Diwali’s date also changes annually because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, with the main celebration falling on the new moon day of the month of Kartik.
Also Read: Ruto Speaks on Making Diwali a National Holiday
How the Holiday Is Celebrated
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an annual festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists around the world. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word Dipavali, meaning a row of lighted lamps.
The festival is marked by prayers and gatherings at temples, where worshippers take part in religious ceremonies, communal feasts, and cultural performances.
In Nairobi, celebrations take place at institutions such as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and other Hindu community centres.
Homes and temples are traditionally decorated with oil lamps known as diyas, candles, and colorful rangoli patterns made on floors using coloured powders, flowers, or other decorative materials. These practices reflect the festival’s symbolism of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil.
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