New year: Joho gives 8 rules on use of fireworks

The government has outlined regulations on the use of fireworks during the coming New Year celebrations.

The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho in a public notice on Tuesday said fireworks displays have been authorised by the government but under strict adherence to the regulations under the Explosives Act (Cap 115), Laws of Kenya.

Joho said public fireworks displays may only be held at sites approved by the State Department of Mining.

 The general public is requested to ensure that fireworks are used appropriately and in a manner not to create any disturbance or endanger the safety of the general public.

"Fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced," Joho said.

In the regulations, any person intending to hold a firework display shall apply for the necessary permits from the State Department for Mining.

 These permits are accessible from the department's offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.

Fireworks displays shall only be conducted at authorised premises, which include clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other place that an Inspector of Explosives has approved.

Under the rules, fireworks displays shall be carried out between midnight, that is, 0000 hours and 12:30 am on December 31, 2024, to ensure that the celebrations are short and confined.

Display shells in urban and built-up areas shall not exceed four inches in caliber, except where an Inspector of Explosives may grant exemptions.

Furthermore, only competent persons who are sober will handle and fire aerial shells and other aerial fireworks.

Licensed fireworks dealers, too, have some regulations that need to be adhered to.

The ministry said no fireworks are to be sold to children below 13 years of age, as this is an offense under the Explosives Act.

Aerial display fireworks such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes shall only be sold to people who hold valid permits to display fireworks, duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives.

The Ministry has urged the public to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year celebration.