By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday told Tata Chemicals to “pack and go”, accused the company of not doing enough for the people of Kajaido, in a massive reputational blow to Tata Chemicals.
The company has been mining soda ash in Magadi under Kajaido county for the past 100 years.
He referred to the concessions granted to the company’s predecessor. Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited is Africa’s largest producer of natural soda ash.
Indian company has rejected the allegations.
President William Ruto, according to news reports said: “That TATA company had that contract for 100 years. They have not built anything in Kajiado, they have not built any factory in Kajiado.”
Ruto visited Magadi and added that Kenya had decided to bring in two new companies that would be required to build a big glass factory and a chemical unit in lieu of taking over the mining operations.
“We have said we will bring a new company and they should put a big glass company here in Kajiado. Another company to make chemicals here in Kajiado. Are we slaves to other people?” he said.
According to media reports Tata Chemicals was told July this year, after mining rights expired in 2023, to suspend operations at the Magadi Soda Factory and stop all export of soda ash.
Ruto said “They take our resource to India and other places… Come what may, because they have been unable able to do what is required, I have told them to pack and go.”
He added “Since 2005, when Tata Chemicals acquired the Magadi plant, it has played an important role in the Kenyan economy and continues to be an integral part of our business.”
The company stressed that in light of the recent developments, we wish to reiterate that on 11th August, Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited our subsidiary, submitted all the information, reports and documentation requested by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs following its direction of 28 July 2026 suspending TCML’s mining operations.
TCML has provided a comprehensive response to the matters raised by the Ministry, including information regarding its compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. We await the Ministry’s review of our submissions and its further direction.”
“We respect the authority of the Government of Kenya and remain committed to constructive engagement through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels to resolve the outstanding matters. Our priority continues to be the well-being of our employees, the Magadi community, our stakeholders in Kenya and continued economic development of Kenya,” TATA Chemicals stated in a press release issued.
