Interior Ministry authorises fireworks displays on Sunday in celebration of Diwali
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the major Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festivals celebrated annually in October. It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The Ministry of Interior has authorised fireworks displays to take place only on Sunday, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, in celebration of Diwali.
In a follow-up circular, the Ministry of Mining cautioned fireworks dealers and importers that displays outside this authorised period are prohibited.
"All fireworks display permits dated October 17, 18 and 19 are to be used on October 20, if still needed, and no displays are to be carried out during the prohibited days of October 17,18 and 19. You will be liable if any displays are done on the prohibited dates in line with relevant laws," stated the circular signed by the Director of Commercial Explosives and Chief Inspector of Explosives, Abel Chumba.
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Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the major Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festivals celebrated annually in October. It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival typically involves lighting candles and lamps, bursting firecrackers, and offering prayers for wealth and prosperity.
Observances, according to Britannica, vary by region, including the lighting of diyas to invite the goddess Lakshmi, worship of goddess Kali in Bengal, celebrations of Lord Rama’s homecoming in North India, and Krishna’s defeat of demon Narakasura in the South.
In a related development, some fireworks suppliers announced a temporary halt to activities on October 18 and 19 to mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"All public fireworks shows and displays will be suspended on the 18th and 19th of October 2025 as the nation observes this solemn period of mourning," Jays Pyrotechnics Limited announced.
"However, the respective Ministries have granted authorisation for Diwali celebrations and fireworks activities to take place on October 20, 2025, when the public may celebrate the Festival of Lights freely and joyfully, subject to the necessary permits and safety approvals issued by Jays Pyrotechnics, Kenya's licensed fireworks authority."
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