Why I Ordered Tata Chemicals Magadi to Close Down - President Ruto

President William Ruto has revealed he ordered the shutdown of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML). 

Speaking on Thursday, September 3, in Oloiren, Kajiado County, President Ruto said the company had held the license to mine soda ash in Lake Magadi for a hundred years without making sufficient investments in the county or creating enough employment opportunities for locals. 

The Head of State noted that Lake Magadi holds significant economic potential that could transform Kajiado and contribute to Kenya’s industrial development.

“We have vast resources at Lake Magadi that can transform Kajiado County and our country, Kenya. That Tata Chemicals company has had a licence for 100 years but has not built anything in Kajiado or employed any people from Kajiado. 

“I told them to pack up their things and leave. Let them go. These people come here, take our resources and transport them to India and other countries,” Ruto said. 

President Ruto said the government will issue the Magadi soda ash mining license to a new investor at Lake Magadi under conditions. 

He said the new investor will be required to build a glass manufacturing plant and another plant for manufacturing chemicals in Kajiado. 

“We will bring in a new company, and the condition for that company is that it must establish a major glass manufacturing plant here in Kajiado County, as well as another company to manufacture chemicals,” President Ruto added. 

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho suspended TCML’s mining operations on July 28, 2026. 

In a statement, Joho said the suspension will remain in place until the company fully complies with the Mining Act, its regulations and other applicable laws.

According to the Mining CS, the suspension of mining operations follows years of engagement between the State Department for Mining and Tata Chemicals Magadi over its statutory obligations. 

“The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining operations by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited until the company fully complies with the Mining Act, its Regulations and all other applicable laws governing Kenya's mining sector,” the statement read in part. 

On August 19, TCML announced that it has submitted all information and documentation requested by the government following the suspension of its mining operations.

TCML said it responded comprehensively to the Ministry of Mining's concerns and demonstrated compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. 

“Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML) confirms it has submitted all information, reports and documentation requested by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs in connection with the suspension of its mining operations,” read the statement. 

The company added that it is waiting for the Ministry of Mining to review the document and provide further direction. 

“TCML looks forward to an expeditious review of its submissions and a clear pathway to responsibly resuming operations,” the company said.