By the 254.ke Newsroom
Diwali fireworks in Kenya may be fired only between 7pm and 11pm from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, under a notice issued on Tuesday, November 3, by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. Organisers need a permit from the State Department for Mining, displays are limited to authorised venues, and dealers may not sell fireworks to children below 13.
What are the Diwali fireworks rules for November 2026?
The rules cover the three days of Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations. They were reported on November 3 by Kenyans.co.ke, Nairobi Leo and Radio Kaya, which agree on the operative details.
| Requirement | What the notice says |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Hours | 7pm to 11pm only, on each authorised day |
| Permits | From the State Department for Mining at Madini House, Nairobi, or from county mining offices |
| Venues | Clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds, school compounds, or any other venue authorised by an Inspector of Explosives |
| Shell size | Maximum four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas, unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption |
| Who may fire | Only qualified, experienced and sober persons |
| Sales | No sales to children below 13; aerial display fireworks only to holders of permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives |
Who needs a permit?
Anyone organising a display. Applications go to the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House in Nairobi or to the respective county mining offices. The ministry says displays must comply with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya, and be carried out in an orderly manner so that the public is not inconvenienced.
Where can fireworks be set off?
Only at authorised venues. The notice names clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds. Any other site needs the approval of an Inspector of Explosives. Households planning a backyard display without a permit are not covered by the venue list.
What can dealers sell?
Dealers are warned against selling fireworks to children below 13. Aerial display products, meaning shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, may be sold only to people who hold a display permit signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
The ministry also said only qualified, experienced and sober persons may fire aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
Is Diwali a public holiday in Kenya?
Diwali is recognised under the Public Holidays Act as a public holiday for the Hindu faith, rather than a nationwide day off. President William Ruto pledged in 2024 to make November 1 a national holiday each year, but as of November 2026 that has not been implemented, according to Kenyans.co.ke. Friday, November 6, falls within the celebration dates in the notice.
The notice follows earlier guidance from the same ministry. See our earlier report: Joho Sets Conditions for Fireworks During Diwali Celebrations. For other consumer-facing developments this week, see Kenya Inflation October 2026.
FAQ
What time can fireworks be fired during Diwali 2026 in Kenya?
Between 7pm and 11pm only, on November 6, 7 and 8, 2026.
Where do I get a fireworks permit?
From the State Department for Mining at Madini House in Nairobi, or from a county mining office.
What is the largest firework shell allowed?
Four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas, unless an Inspector of Explosives grants an exemption.
Can children buy fireworks?
No. Dealers have been warned against selling fireworks to children below the age of 13.
