Joho issues fireworks safety guidelines for New Year celebrations

In preparation for New Year celebrations, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Hassan Joho, has announced six crucial conditions for the use of fireworks.

This is aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with the law.

In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs on Tuesday, Joho outlined the rules that must be followed for fireworks displays to take place across the country.

The use of fireworks during the New Year festivities has been officially authorised, but only under strict guidelines.

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The CS stressed that fireworks displays will only be permitted at designated venues that have been approved by the State Department for Mining.

These include venues such as clubs, hotels, sports grounds, school compounds, and churches, with further venues being allowed as authorised by an Inspector of Explosives.

The Ministry has also made it clear that fireworks displays must be conducted in an orderly manner, ensuring that the general public is not inconvenienced.

Licenced dealers

In addition, fireworks must be sourced from licensed dealers, and the necessary permits must be obtained in advance from the State Department's offices located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wundanyi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu.

The fireworks displays are only permitted to take place between midnight (0000hrs) and 12:30 am on December 31, 2024.

To avoid accidents and limit noise pollution in urban areas, display shells are restricted to a maximum size of four inches in calibre.

However, exemptions may be granted by an Inspector of Explosives in certain cases.

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the importance of ensuring that only experienced and sober individuals are permitted to fire aerial shells and other fireworks, to guarantee safety during the displays.

Additionally, fireworks dealers have been instructed to ensure that they do not sell fireworks to children under the age of 13, as doing so is an offense under the Explosives Act, Cap 115.

"The public is requested to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out within the requirements of the Explosives Act, Cap 115 Laws of Kenya," Joho stated, urging strict adherence to the regulations.