NAIROBI, Kenya – Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, citing the company’s failure to comply with key legal and regulatory requirements governing Kenya’s mining sector.
The directive halts all mining operations until the company demonstrates full compliance with the Mining Act, subsidiary regulations and other applicable laws, according to the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
The ministry said the action follows years of engagements with Tata Chemicals Magadi over its statutory obligations, but several critical compliance issues remain unresolved.
Among the concerns raised by the government are the absence of a clear mineral beneficiation and value-addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, inadequate export reporting and reconciliation, weak implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), insufficient plans for employing and transferring skills to Kenyan workers, limited procurement of locally available goods and services, and environmental compliance shortcomings.
CS Joho directed the company to submit comprehensive documentation proving compliance with all statutory requirements and settle any outstanding obligations before operations can resume.
“The company has been directed to provide evidence of full compliance with the law and address all pending liabilities before it is allowed to restart mining activities,” the ministry said.
The suspension underscores the government’s push to tighten oversight of Kenya’s extractive industry and ensure mining firms operate within the country’s legal framework.
Joho reiterated that the ministry is committed to promoting responsible and sustainable exploitation of Kenya’s mineral resources while ensuring the country derives maximum economic value from the sector.
He added that the government will continue enforcing laws aimed at protecting the environment, enhancing benefits to host communities and ensuring greater accountability across the mining industry.
