Kenya’s President William Ruto has ordered Tata Chemicals to leave the country, accusing the Indian company of failing to create sufficient economic impact from its soda ash operations in Kajiado county.
Tata Chemicals produces soda ash from Lake Magadi, a key mineral used in the manufacture of glass, soaps and detergents. Government data showed that Kenya exported 254,779 tonnes of soda ash valued at 56.9 million dollars in the year to July 2025.
Addressing a public rally, Ruto directed the company to “pack and leave” to pave the way for a new investor.
Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited has operated in Kenya since 2005, but its activities were suspended by the Ministry of Mining in July pending a “compliance review.”
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Ruto argued that the resources from Lake Magadi should generate greater economic benefits for the local community and the wider Kenyan economy.
“They have not built anything in Kajiado,” the President stated, referring to the county where Lake Magadi is located.
He also criticised the company for what he described as inadequate investment and employment opportunities in the area.
“They have not built any factory or employed people,” Ruto stressed.
The Kenyan leader accused the company of exporting the country’s mineral resources without creating sufficient local value and disclosed plans to attract a replacement investor.
“They have been taking our resources and shipping them to India. We will bring a new company and the condition set is they must build a glass factory here,” he maintained.
The proposed departure could result in job losses and reduced government revenue from the soda ash sector.
However, Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited disputed any suggestion of non-compliance, informing the National Stock Exchange of India on Friday that it was “fully compliant” with Kenyan requirements.
The company said it was awaiting further communication from the Kenyan government regarding the review of its operations.
AP
