Government Declares Optional Public Holiday for Diwali and Hindu New Year Festivities

The government has announced that Kenyans will enjoy an optional public holiday to mark Diwali and the Hindu New Year celebrations. The festivities will run from Friday, October 17, to Monday, October 20, 2025, according to Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.

In a statement, CS Joho directed that individuals and organizations intending to host fireworks displays must first obtain permits from the State Department for Mining or their respective County Mining Offices. He emphasized that all displays must take place only in venues approved by an Inspector of Explosives to ensure public safety.

The fireworks shows will be allowed strictly between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. during the authorized celebration days. Joho added that in all urban and built-up areas, display shells will be restricted to a maximum of four-inch caliber unless a special exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.

The CS further stated that only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals will be permitted to handle or ignite aerial shells and fireworks. He warned that selling fireworks to children under 13 years old is a criminal offence under the Explosives Act.

Additionally, Joho clarified that aerial display fireworks—including rockets, shells, Roman candles, and cakes—will only be sold to persons holding valid display permits duly signed by an Inspector of Explosives.