NAIROBI, Kenya — As the Hindu community in Kenya prepares to celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year from Friday, October 17 to Monday, October 20, 2025, the government has issued a set of directives to ensure that festivities are safe and orderly.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced that fireworks displays during the holiday period must comply with the Explosives Act, Cap 115, and adhere to strict safety limits.
He emphasized that the displays should be held only at authorized venues — such as temples, hotels, schools, clubs, or sports grounds — and only with valid permits from the State Department for Mining and county mining offices.
Under the guidelines:
- Fireworks use is restricted to between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the approved dates.
- In urban or built-up areas, display shells must not exceed four-inch calibre, unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.
- Only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals may handle aerial shells and related devices.
- Fireworks dealers cannot sell to persons under thirteen years old — doing so is an offense under the law.
- Aerial display items (shells, rockets, Roman candles, “cakes”) may only be sold to permit holders, and permits must be signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
CS Joho described the guidelines as necessary to prevent inconvenience to the public and to minimise the risks associated with fireworks use.
He reminded organizers to follow the rules so that celebrations remain festive but safe.
Though Diwali is not a gazetted public holiday in Kenya, the government’s early notice gives citizens clarity on how the celebrations should be conducted in line with public safety and regulatory compliance.
