Ruto Tells Tata Chemicals to Leave Magadi, Promises New Investor to Build Glass and Chemical Plants

NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has defended the government’s decision to shut down Tata Chemicals Magadi, accusing the century-old company of extracting Kenya’s natural resources without creating enough jobs, industries or economic opportunities for residents of Kajiado County.

Speaking during his tour of Kajiado County on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Ruto said the government would bring in a new investor to exploit the resources around Lake Magadi, but under conditions requiring significant local value addition.

“We have Lake Magadi. We have resources that can change Kajiado and Kenya,” Ruto said.

The President accused Tata Chemicals of operating in Magadi for about 100 years without building industries in Kajiado or employing enough local residents.

“They have not even built any industry in Kajiado. Let them go,” Ruto said, adding that the company takes resources extracted in Kenya to India and other countries.

Ruto said the government’s proposed replacement investor would be required to establish a large glass manufacturing plant and another facility for processing chemicals in Kajiado.

“Who will develop Kajiado?” the President asked.

The remarks mark the latest escalation in a dispute between the government and Tata Chemicals Magadi, which has operated at Lake Magadi since 1911 and describes itself as Africa’s largest soda ash manufacturer.

The government suspended Tata Chemicals Magadi’s mining operations on July 28, citing alleged non-compliance with Kenya’s mining laws and regulations. 

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho subsequently cited outstanding compliance issues, including mineral beneficiation and value addition, royalty reconciliation and export reporting.

Tata Chemicals has said it submitted documentation addressing the government’s concerns and has been awaiting further direction. 

The company confirmed that its mining operations have remained suspended since July 28 in compliance with the government directive.

The shutdown has raised concerns about employment and the wider economic impact on Magadi. 

Reports have put the number of direct employees at about 600, alongside contractors and other businesses whose livelihoods are connected to the operation.

DCP challenges Ruto over Tata Chemicals

Ruto’s comments came hours after leaders allied to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, attacked the government’s decision.

The DCP described the shutdown as “economically suicidal” and “legally rogue”, arguing that the closure threatens jobs and livelihoods around Magadi.

The party claimed more than 100,000 people could be affected directly or indirectly, although that figure is an allegation by the lawmakers and has not been independently established.

DCP lawmakers also accused Ruto of having personal interests linked to the resources around Magadi and questioned the timing of the government’s decision.

The allegations have not been accompanied by evidence, while Ruto has rejected the political criticism by framing the dispute around local economic development and value addition.

The President’s position is that Kenya should no longer export raw or minimally processed resources while communities where those resources are extracted see limited industrial development.

The government now intends to use the licensing process to demand more local processing from any new investor.