CS Joho Kenya: Diwali Fireworks Regulations Issued

• Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho issued new directives restricting Diwali fireworks displays to a four-hour window between 7 PM and 11 PM.
• Organizers must obtain permits from the State Department for Mining and adhere to a four-inch shell size limit in urban areas, unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.
• Only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals are permitted to handle aerial fireworks, and dealers can only sell aerial products to buyers with valid permits.
• The sale of fireworks to children under 13 is prohibited under the new regulations.
• Despite President William Ruto's pledge in October 2024 to initiate the process, Diwali has not yet been declared a universal national public holiday as of October 2026, remaining an optional holiday for Hindus.

Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons are permitted to ignite aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho recently announced a series of stringent directives governing fireworks displays during the upcoming Diwali celebrations in Kenya. These new regulations, issued on Tuesday, November 3, aim to ensure public safety and minimize disruption while allowing the Hindu community to observe their important festivities. Organizers of Diwali celebrations are now required to secure appropriate permits and strictly adhere to these updated safety protocols.

Among the key provisions, the CS Joho Kenya Diwali fireworks regulations stipulate a strict four-hour window for all displays, permitting them only between 7 PM and 11 PM. This time restriction applies throughout the three-day festive period, scheduled from November 6 to 8. Furthermore, in urban and densely populated areas, the size of fireworks shells is capped at four inches, though an exemption for larger shells can be obtained directly from an Inspector of Explosives.

To stage any fireworks display, organizers must first obtain explicit authorization from the State Department for Mining. Applications for these permits can be submitted either at the department's main offices in Madini House or through the respective County Mining Offices. The Hassan Joho fireworks directives also specify that displays are limited to pre-approved locations, which include hotels, clubs, temples, sports grounds, and school compounds, as well as any other sites specifically cleared by an Inspector of Explosives Kenya.

Crucially, the new Kenya fireworks permit requirements extend to the individuals handling the pyrotechnics. Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons are permitted to ignite aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks. This emphasis on professional handling underscores the government's commitment to preventing accidents during the Diwali celebrations Kenya regulations. Additionally, fireworks dealers have been reminded that aerial display products, such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes, may only be sold to buyers who possess a valid permit signed by an Inspector of Explosives. The sale of any fireworks to individuals under the age of 13 is strictly prohibited, reinforcing existing safety measures.

Diwali, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Hindu community, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festivities traditionally span five days, marked by prayers, the lighting of lamps, family gatherings, and, notably, fireworks. Cabinet Secretary Joho extended his well wishes to the community, hoping for a happy Diwali and a prosperous Hindu New Year, while urging all participants to conduct the celebrations responsibly and without inconveniencing the public.

Beyond the immediate fireworks regulations, the Hindu community in Kenya has been actively advocating for Diwali to be recognized as a national public holiday. In October 2024, President William Ruto publicly pledged to address this request, confirming that the proposal would undergo established government procedures, including parliamentary review. As of October 2026, no bill has been passed by the National Assembly to make Diwali a universal national public holiday, and it remains an optional holiday for members of the Hindu community.

Lawyers advising clients on event planning or the sale of fireworks in Kenya must be aware of the new directives from Mining CS Joho, which impose specific permit requirements, time restrictions, and handler qualifications for Diwali celebrations. Compliance officers should ensure their organizations adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties, particularly regarding the sale of aerial fireworks and securing authorization from the State Department for Mining.

Source: Original reporting via Kenya Broadcasting Corporation