Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has announced strict regulations governing fireworks displays during this year's three-day Diwali celebrations, scheduled to run from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026.
In a notice dated Tuesday, November 3, Joho directed that fireworks displays be conducted only between 7pm and 11pm during the three days.
He urged members of the Hindu community and event organisers to ensure the displays are conducted in an orderly manner and do not inconvenience members of the public.
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“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. Fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced,” Joho said.
The CS directed organisers to obtain the necessary permits from the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House in Nairobi or from the respective county mining offices before holding fireworks displays.
Approved venues and fireworks restrictions
Joho said fireworks displays would be allowed at authorised venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds.
Organisers intending to use other venues must first obtain approval from an Inspector of Explosives.
The Ministry also limited fireworks display shells to a maximum calibre of four inches in urban and built-up areas, unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
“Only qualified, experienced and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks,” Joho stated.
Fireworks dealers were warned against selling the products to children below the age of 13, with the Ministry noting that doing so constitutes an offence under the Explosives Act.
Dealers were also directed to sell aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, only to individuals holding valid permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
What Diwali means
Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu religion. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The festival is traditionally marked by lighting oil lamps known as diyas, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, prayers, family gatherings and fireworks displays.
In some Hindu traditions, the celebrations also coincide with the Hindu New Year, marking the beginning of a new calendar year and a period of spiritual renewal.
Diwali and public holidays in Kenya
In Kenya, Diwali is recognised under the Public Holidays Act as a public holiday for members of the Hindu faith, rather than a nationwide public holiday observed by everyone.
In 2024, President William Ruto pledged to formally make Diwali a national holiday, with November 1 proposed as the annual date.
However, the supplied report states that the proposal had not been implemented by November 2026. Diwali therefore remains a public holiday for members of the Hindu faith rather than a nationwide holiday.
The latest directives are intended to regulate fireworks displays during the three-day celebrations and ensure compliance with the country's explosives laws.