Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has issued seven conditions for individuals who plan to use fireworks during Diwali Celebrations.
Diwali and Hindu celebrations will be held from Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 2, 2024.
In a notice seen by The Star, Joho insisted that the fireworks display must be carried out in a way that will not inconvenience the general public.
"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 orderly so that the general public is not inconvenienced," the CS said.
He further listed seven conditions that must be met for displaying fireworks during Diwali.
They include getting the necessary fireworks permits from the State Department of Mining offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri and Embu.
Joho said fireworks will only be used at authorised venues including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds or any other venue as may be authorised by an Inspector of Explosives.
He said that fireworks will only be displayed between 7 pm and 11 pm on the authorised dates.
"Display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch caliber in all venues in urban and built-up areas except as may be exempted by an Inspector of Explosives.
"Only qualified and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks," Joho said.
He further noted that Fireworks dealers must not sell to children below the age of 13 years.
Joho also insisted that Aerial display fireworks including Shells, Rockets, Roman Candles and Cakes, must only be sold to holders of permits to display fireworks duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indiana religions.
