‘Are we slaves?’ Why Kenya wants Tata Chemicals to ‘pack and go’ after 100 years

On August 12, 2026, following Kenya's President William Ruto's directive to halt Tata Chemicals' operations in the country, the Tata group firm affirmed its commitment to finding a resolution through legal and regulatory channels. The company had provided a comprehensive response to the concerns raised by the Kenyan Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs (Ministry) by the previous day.

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML), Africa's largest producer of natural soda ash, submitted all the required information, reports, and documentation to the Ministry on August 11, 2026, and claimed full compliance with the regulatory requirements. Since its acquisition by Tata Chemicals in 2005, TCML has played a significant role in the Kenyan economy.

The company reiterated its respect for the Kenyan government's authority and pledged to engage constructively through appropriate legal and regulatory channels to address the outstanding matters. Their priority remains the well-being of their employees, the Magadi community, stakeholders in Kenya, and the continued economic development of the nation.

President Ruto announced that two new companies would take over Tata Chemicals' operations, emphasizing that the company had not built any factories in Kajiado, a region in Kenya. However, TCML recently commissioned a state-of-the-art 10 tonnes per hour electric calciner, the first of its kind in the global soda ash industry, which came online in July 2025.

Additionally, TCML launched a 5MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, transitioning from Heavy Furnace Oil (HFO)-based calcination to renewable, low-carbon technologies. This move positions TCML as a leader in sustainable industrial practices, aligning with the Tata group's 2045 carbon neutrality target.