Fireworks in Kenya fall under the strict oversight of the Explosives Act Cap 115 and the Explosives (Fireworks) Rules. Whether you are planning a private celebration, a hotel show, a New Year countdown or a corporate display, you must buy from licensed dealers and secure all necessary approvals from national and county authorities. Non-compliance attracts penalties, and authorities have tightened enforcement in recent years.
Nairobi hosts several established fireworks vendors and professional pyrotechnic companies:
- Miles High Fireworks (Fireworks Shop Kenya) – A leading retail and online supplier of consumer fireworks. Prices vary widely by item: Roman candles (KSh 1,000–3,500), rockets (KSh 1,000–15,000), and multi-shot cakes (KSh 4,000–80,000). Professional firing packages begin around KSh 80,000 and rise above KSh 1 million for large displays.
- Fireworks Kenya – Supplies consumer fireworks starting at KSh 300 for small items and up to several thousand shillings for higher-intensity effects. They also organise display packages on request.
- Fireworks Africa / Tononoka Fireworks Nairobi, a licensed display contractor offering turnkey pyrotechnic shows. They manage permits, safety planning, operator staffing and post-event clean-up. Their guidance notes indicate that a NEMA noise permit normally requires an application fee of about KSh 500 and a licence fee of around KSh 5,000, depending on the event scale.
- Nairobi Pyrotechnics – Provides professional displays for hotels, malls, corporate launches and holiday events, including transport, firing systems and safety officers.
These firms are preferable for medium and large events because they already hold operator qualifications, understand compliance requirements and often manage the permitting process on your behalf.
Fireworks Permits and Approvals Required
- Explosives Licensing from the Chief Inspector of Explosives
Any public display requires a written permit from the Inspector of Explosives. This covers possession, transport and use of fireworks for the event. - Importer and Dealer Licences (for businesses)
An importer’s licence requires an application fee of about KSh 500. A dealer’s licence costs approximately KSh 50. These fees apply primarily to companies, not private buyers, but you should only purchase from businesses that hold them. - Public Display Permit Fees
Where fireworks are imported specifically for a display, a special import permit is required, with fees around KSh 50. - NEMA and County Approvals
Depending on the venue, a NEMA noise permit may be mandatory (KSh 500 application + KSh 5,000 licence). Counties also require fire and police clearance, which usually involves site inspections but minimal additional fees. - Safety and Operator Requirements
Displays must be conducted by qualified, sober operators. A safety plan must indicate fallout zones, crowd distances, access routes and firefighting equipment.
Typical Costs of Fireworks
Consumer-grade fireworks for home or small gatherings range from KSh 300 to KSh 80,000 depending on the assortment. Professional shows range from KSh 80,000 for small hotel displays to well over KSh 2 million for large-scale events with synchronised effects.
