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Kwambox calls for fireworks ban ahead of new year celebrations
31st December, 2025 03:25 PM
Media personality Sheila Kwamboka, popularly known as Kwambox, has called for a nationwide ban on fireworks, citing noise pollution, distress to animals, and disruption to residents, especially during New Year celebrations.
In a post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Kwambox argued that fireworks pose more harm than benefit to communities.
She noted that while fireworks are often associated with celebration, they come at the expense of peace and well-being for many people living in densely populated urban areas such as Nairobi.
“Nairobi residents aren’t just human,” she stated, emphasising that animals are equally affected by loud explosions. Kwambox pointed out that pets, wildlife, and even stray animals experience fear and stress during fireworks displays, yet their welfare is rarely considered.
Animal Welfare
Kwambox questioned the justification for fireworks, challenging Kenyans to name a single meaningful benefit they provide. According to her, animals are neither warned nor protected from the sudden loud noises, making fireworks an avoidable source of suffering.
She further argued that noise pollution affects vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with anxiety or sensory sensitivities. In crowded estates, fireworks often go off late into the night, disrupting sleep and creating unnecessary tension within neighbourhoods.
Call for respectful celebrations
As Kenyans prepare to usher in the New Year, Kwambox urged the public to adopt more considerate ways of celebrating that do not harm others. She called on both individuals and authorities to rethink the use of fireworks and prioritise inclusive, respectful celebrations.
Declaring what she described as a firm personal stance, Kwambox said she hopes the country is nearing the end of fireworks use altogether. She framed her appeal as part of a broader conversation on responsible celebration and community care.
Her comments come less than 24 hours after the Netherlands Senate approved a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks, a move aimed at reducing injuries, noise pollution, and environmental damage.
