The government has moved to enforce stricter controls in the mining sector after Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho directed Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited to suspend its operations over unresolved regulatory issues.
Joho said the decision followed years of engagements with the company to address compliance concerns, but several obligations under the Mining Act, Cap. 306, remained unmet.
“Despite these engagements, several critical compliance issues remain unresolved,”the CS said.
The Ministry cited concerns including outstanding royalty obligations, gaps in export reporting, lack of a clear mineral value addition strategy, weak implementation of Community Development Agreements, limited employment and skills transfer opportunities for Kenyans, inadequate support for local suppliers, and environmental compliance shortcomings.
The suspension will remain in force until Tata Chemicals Magadi provides evidence that it has fulfilled all legal requirements and addressed any pending obligations.
The company has been instructed to submit the necessary documentation demonstrating compliance before it can resume operations.
Joho said the government’s action is part of a wider effort to ensure that Kenya’s natural resources benefit the country while safeguarding communities living in mining areas.
“The Ministry is focused on ensuring that Kenya’s mineral resources are exploited responsibly to deliver economic value to the country while protecting the interests of communities,” he said.
Tata Chemicals Magadi, which has operated at Lake Magadi for more than a century, produces natural soda ash for local and international markets, with exports reaching destinations in Asia, the Middle East and other regions.
