Tata Chem responds after Kenya orders ops halt

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML) has submitted a comprehensive compliance report to the Kenyan government in response to regulatory concerns over its operations, according to an exchange filing on Friday. The company acknowledges a letter from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs dated July 28, 2026, and maintains that it submitted all required information, reports and documentation by August 11, 2026, confirming full compliance with regulatory requirements.

TCML, which has been part of the Tata Chemicals group since 2005, emphasized its ongoing commitment to the Kenyan economy and the Magadi community, stating its dedication to constructive engagement through appropriate legal and regulatory channels to address the outstanding matters. The company's primary focus remains the well-being of its employees, the local community, stakeholders in Kenya, and the continued economic development of the country.

Following Kenyan President William Ruto's announcement on Thursday that he had ordered the halt of Tata Chemicals' operations, shares of the company fell 3% to their lowest point of Rs 625 on the BSE. Ruto stated that he had ordered the company to suspend operations at the Magadi Soda factory and halted exports of soda ash due to the belief that its presence had not benefited Kenya. He also mentioned that the Kenyan government would bring in two new companies to take over Tata Chemicals' operations.