CS Monica Juma publishes guidelines on fireworks during Diwali celebrations

Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma. [File, Standard]

Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Monica Juma has published guidelines on the use of fireworks during the Diwali celebrations expected between Saturday, October 22 and Monday, October 24.

In a notice published on Page 9 of The Standard Newspaper on Friday, October 21, the CS asked those celebrating to be mindful of the neighbourhood.

"This is to inform the general public that Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations will be held during the period between 22nd and 24th October, 2022. These festivities are traditionally celebrated with fireworks in authorised venues," said Juma.

"Consequently, the Hindu community is requested to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out within the requirements of the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.

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

"In this regard, the parties carrying out displays must ensure that: the necessary permits to hold fireworks displays are obtained from Ministry of Petroleum and Mining offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri, fireworks are used only at the authorised venues such as clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds or any other venue as may be authorised by an Inspector of Explosives.

"They must also ensure that the displays are held between 7pm and 11pm only during 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 in writing and that only qualified, experienced and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells."

The minister also asked those celebrating to observe COVID-19 protocols prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

"Fireworks dealers should ensure that fireworks are not sold to any child who is below the age of 13 years, as doing so is an offence under the Explosives Act, Cap 115, and that aerial display fireworks (shells, Roman candles and cakes) are only sold to holders of permits to display fireworks duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives."