Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Hassan Ali Joho

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Hassan Ali Joho

NAIROBI, Kenya  September 6Th 2026  The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has moved to resolve outstanding compliance concerns with Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited following the suspension of the company’s operations, with both parties agreeing to establish a high-level technical committee.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Hassan Ali Joho said the committee will undertake a comprehensive review of the issues raised by the Ministry and recommend a way forward to ensure compliance while safeguarding Kenya’s interests.

The committee will be led by the Principal Secretary for Mining on behalf of the Ministry and the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited representing the company.

The team will examine several unresolved matters, including mineral beneficiation and in-country value addition, outstanding community benefits and royalty obligations, unresolved land issues, opening up the area for multiple mineral extraction, and pending engagements with the Kajiado County Government.

The development follows a meeting between CS Joho and executives of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, where both sides agreed on the need for structured dialogue to address the concerns and establish a sustainable operating framework.

“Government remains committed to constructive engagement with investors while firmly upholding Kenya’s laws, regulations and the interests of its people,” CS Joho said.

He added that the objective is not only to resolve the current compliance matters but also to promote responsible mining practices, enhance value addition, support community development and create mutually beneficial partnerships between investors, government and local communities.

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, one of Kenya’s longest-established mining companies, operates in Magadi, Kajiado County, where it extracts soda ash, a mineral used in glass manufacturing, chemicals and other industrial applications.

The government has increasingly emphasized local value addition in the mining sector, arguing that Kenya must derive greater economic benefits from its mineral resources through job creation, technology transfer, increased revenues and stronger participation of host communities.

The outcome of the technical committee’s review will guide further government action on the future of operations at the facility.