+086 1911-7288-062 [ CN ]
Cookies give you a personalized experience,Сookie files help us to enhance your experience using our website, simplify navigation, keep our website safe and assist in our marketing efforts. By clicking "Accept", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device for these purposes.For more information, review our Cookies Policy.
Share:
Kenya has moved to ease tensions with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd. (TCML) by establishing a high‑level joint technical committee to address outstanding compliance issues and chart a path forward for the company’s suspended soda ash operations at Lake Magadi. The decision marks a notable shift from the government’s recent hardline posture, including President William Ruto’s recent directive asking Tata Chemicals to cease operations and signalling plans to bring in a new investor.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Mr. Hassan Ali Joho said the committee will be co‑led by Mr. Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary to Mining, representing the government, and Mr. Swaminathan Nagarajan, CEO, TCML. It will conduct a detailed technical review of unresolved compliance matters and submit its recommendations to Mr. Joho to further action.
According to Mr. Joho, the committee will examine five key areas: mineral beneficiation and in‑country value addition; community benefits and royalty obligations; unresolved land matters; opening the region to multiple mineral extraction; and pending issues between TCML and the Kajiado County Government.
The move reopens a formal channel of engagement between the government and Tata Chemicals after President Ruto criticised the company to failing to generate sufficient regional economic value from its century‑old operations, particularly by exporting raw soda ash instead of developing downstream processing capacity.
President Ruto had said any future investor would need to establish both a glass manufacturing plant and a chemical processing facility in Kajiado before being allowed to operate. Mr. Joho, however, emphasised that the government remains committed to constructive engagement with investors while upholding Kenya’s laws and community interests. He said the objective is not only to resolve immediate compliance issues however to create a framework that promotes responsible mining, value addition, community research and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The dispute dates back to July 28, when the mining ministry ordered TCML to suspend operations over alleged regulatory non‑compliance, citing issues related to beneficiation, royalty reconciliation and export reporting. TCML has said it submitted all required documentation and has complied with the suspension order while awaiting further instructions. The company has warned that the prolonged shutdown could significantly affect employees, contractors, suppliers and the regional community.
According to Tata Chemicals’ annual report, the Kenya operations generated Rs. 586-crore in revenue and Rs. 48-crore in profit.
We will contact you soon
888CHEM
Japanese 
Korean 
Hindi 
Russian 
Arabic 
Malay 
