Nairobi, Kenya, December 17- The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has announced strict guidelines for New Year fireworks displays, limiting the celebrations to a 30-minute window from midnight to 12:30 AM on December 31, 2024.
In a notice issued on December 17, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho emphasized that only authorized venues such as clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, and school compounds will be allowed to host fireworks displays. Kenyans seeking permits must apply at State Department for Mining offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.
The notice also imposes safety measures, including restricting fireworks to shells no larger than four inches in urban and built-up areas unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption. Additionally, all fireworks must be sourced from licensed dealers and handled by qualified, experienced, and sober individuals.
“Fireworks must be used responsibly and should not inconvenience the general public,” Joho stated, adding that children under the age of 13 are prohibited from purchasing fireworks.
Aerial display fireworks—such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes—will only be sold to individuals holding permits approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
The government further outlawed tampering with manufactured fireworks for unintended purposes without written consent from the Chief Inspector. Any accidents involving serious injury, fatalities, or property damage must be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Failure to report such incidents could result in a fine of Ksh500,000 or imprisonment for up to two months.
