The Hindu community in Kenya will celebrate Diwali and Hindu New Year from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the government setting conditions for the use of fireworks during the three-day festivities.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has reminded organisers that fireworks displays must be approved and conducted in line with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.
In a public notice issued through the State Department for Mining on November 2, 2026, through MyGov, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said the celebrations are traditionally marked with fireworks at authorised venues. He urged the community to ensure displays are conducted “in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced.”
Organisers planning fireworks displays must obtain permits from the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House or the respective County Mining offices.
The displays will only be allowed at approved venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds. Other locations may be used where they have been approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
The government has also restricted fireworks displays to between 7 pm and 11 pm on the three authorised dates.
Organisers are required to make the necessary arrangements before the celebrations to ensure their displays meet the requirements set out in the notice.
Display shells in these areas must not exceed four-inch calibre unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.
The government has also restricted the handling of aerial fireworks to qualified, experienced and sober individuals. This requirement applies to people firing aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
The measures are intended to ensure that fireworks are handled by people with the necessary experience and that displays take place at approved locations.
The State Department for Mining has also issued rules for dealers selling fireworks ahead of the celebrations.
Under the Explosives Act, dealers are prohibited from selling fireworks to children below the age of 13. Anyone who sells fireworks to a child below this age commits an offence under the law.
Aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, may only be sold to people holding valid display permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
The restrictions place responsibility on both event organisers and dealers to ensure fireworks are obtained and used within the law.
The government said the requirements would help maintain public safety and order during the festivities.
Joho concluded the notice by extending the ministry’s wishes to the Hindu community, saying: “We take this opportunity to wish the Hindu Community a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New year.”
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