New Year: Joho Issues 8 Guidelines for Fireworks Use.

Government Issues Fireworks Regulations for New Year Celebrations

The government has announced strict regulations for the use of fireworks during the upcoming New Year celebrations. The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, led by CS Hassan Joho, emphasized adherence to the Explosives Act (Cap 115), Laws of Kenya, in a public notice issued on Tuesday.

Guidelines for Fireworks Displays

The ministry outlined the following key points regarding fireworks use:

Permits and Locations:
- Fireworks displays are only permitted at sites approved by the State Department of Mining.
- Applicants must obtain the necessary permits from the department’s offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.
Display Timings and Locations:
- Displays must take place between 12:00 midnight and 12:30 a.m. on December 31, 2024.
- Approved venues include clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, or other locations authorized by an Inspector of Explosives.
Safety and Compliance:
- Display shells in urban or built-up areas must not exceed four inches in caliber unless exempted by an Inspector of Explosives.
- Only competent, sober individuals are allowed to handle and fire aerial fireworks.
Sales Restrictions:
- Fireworks may not be sold to children under 13 years of age, in accordance with the Explosives Act.
- Aerial fireworks such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes can only be sold to individuals with valid permits issued by an Inspector of Explosives.

Public Responsibility

CS Joho urged the public to use fireworks responsibly to ensure public safety and minimize disturbances. “Fireworks displays should be conducted in an orderly manner to avoid inconveniencing others,” he said.