The Ministry of Mining has issued a notice informing Kenyans of countrywide fireworks that will be lit for two days by the Hindu community in celebration of Diwali.
The Ministry stated in a notice dated Tuesday that the celebrations will take place from November 11 to 12.
As a result, the Ministry, led by CS Salim Mvurya, issued guidelines that Kenyans will be expected to follow during the Hindu community’s two-day celebrations.
As a precaution, the Ministry directed anyone planning to use fireworks to seek permission from the Ministry’s offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nyeri.
The Ministry also stated that lighting fireworks will be permitted only in designated areas such as clubs, temples, sports grounds, and school compounds.
All other areas must be approved before using fireworks.
“Displays are held between 1900hrs and 2300hrs only during the authorized dates. Display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch calibre in all venues in urban and built-up areas except as may be exempted by an Inspector of Explosives in writing
“Only qualified, experienced, and sober persons shall be allowed to fire aerial shells,” read the notice in part.
Fireworks dealers, on the other hand, were warned not to sell any product to children under the age of 13.
Dealers were also advised to obtain clearance certificates from government officials before selling fireworks.
Those who violated the regulations were warned of severe penalties as unregulated use of fireworks can be dangerous and result in the destruction of property and life.
“If the explosion is negligently caused and property is endangered, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or both,” reads the Explosive Act in part.
“If the explosion is negligently caused and death results, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.”
