Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining operations by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, citing persistent regulatory non-compliance despite years of engagement between the company and the government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Joho said the decision followed the company’s failure to address several obligations under the Mining Act and related regulations governing Kenya’s extractive sector.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the company has yet to resolve a number of key compliance issues, including the absence of a clear mineral beneficiation and value-addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, inadequate export reporting, weak implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), insufficient plans for employment and skills transfer to Kenyan citizens, limited procurement of locally produced goods and services, and environmental compliance concerns.
“Despite sustained engagements, several critical compliance issues remain unresolved,” the ministry said.
The company has been directed to cease all mining activities and submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating compliance with the Mining Act, its regulations and other applicable laws before operations can resume.
Joho said the government remains committed to ensuring Kenya’s mineral resources are exploited responsibly and sustainably while maximizing economic benefits for the country and safeguarding the interests of communities living in mining areas.
The suspension represents one of the strongest enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Mining in recent years as the government steps up oversight of the extractive industry to improve accountability, environmental stewardship and local economic participation.
Tata Chemicals Magadi has operated at Lake Magadi in Kajiado County since 1911 and is one of Africa’s leading producers of natural soda ash. The company exports more than 350,000 tonnes of soda ash annually to markets in Asia, the Middle East and other international destinations, making it one of Kenya’s key mineral exporters.
The company’s response to the suspension was not immediately available.
