Ministry of Mining Orders the Closure of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited

Kenya, July 29 ,2026 - The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs has ordered the immediate closure of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited over non-compliance

 In a statement on  Wednesday, CS Hassan Joho said that despite years of engagement between the company and the  State Department of Mining, the company still remains reluctant to comply with the Mining Act, its Regulations and all other applicable laws governing Kenya's mining sector.

According to the CS, the company still lacks a clear mineral beneficiation/value addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, insufficient export reporting and reconciliation,

 The company has also implemented the Community Development Agreements (CDA) poorly, has inadequate employment and skills transfer plan for Kenyan citizens, weak procurement of local goods and services, and shortfalls in environmental compliance.

 To resume operations, the company will be required to submit evidence that will demonstrate full compliance with all the statutory obligations as well as clear any other outstanding obligations.

“The decision follows years of sustained engagement between the State Department for Mining and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited regarding its statutory obligations under the Mining Act, Cap. 306, the Mining (Licence and Permit) Regulations2017, the Mining (Royalty Collection and Management) Regulations 2024, and other relevant legal frameworks,” the CS stated.

"The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Kenya's mineral resources are exploited responsibly, sustainably, and in a manner that delivers maximum economic value to the country while safeguarding the environment and protecting the interests of host communities,” he added.

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited is a mining and chemical manufacturing company that operates at Lake Magadi, Kajiado  County and manufactures natural soda ash, salt, and industrial minerals.

Established in 1911, the company is Africa's largest producer of natural soda ash and one of Kenya's leading exporters. It processes trona into soda ash, a key raw material used in the manufacture of glass, detergents, chemicals, and other industrial products, with most of its output exported to markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa through the Port of Mombasa.