Ruto changes tune on Magadi soda ash mining after uproar over Tata Chemicals exit order

President William Ruto announced on Saturday that the contract for Magadi soda ash mining will undergo a competitive bidding process, allowing multiple companies to apply and ending India's Tata Chemicals monopoly in the region. Speaking in Kajiado during the commissioning of the Ngong-Kibiko-Kangeria Road upgrade, Ruto also claimed that a new company had not been identified to replace Tata Chemicals, contradicting his earlier statement in Loitokitok.

The Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy suspended Tata Chemicals' licence in July due to non-compliance issues.

Ruto emphasized that the new contract will be advertised afresh, opening the doors for three to ten companies to apply, as the Magadi resource is large enough to sustain more than one company. Value addition will now be done locally, rather than abroad. Additionally, 70% of the 24,000 acres currently occupied by Tata Chemicals under a lease arrangement will be returned to the local Kajiado community.

The President criticized opposition parties for criticizing him over Tata Chemicals' closure, accusing them of being puppets of an unnamed sponsor who lacks clarity on issues affecting Kenyans. Ruto reiterated his commitment to achieving balanced bilateral trade for Kenya and Africa, moving away from exploitative relationships. He stressed that Africa will no longer be subservient to other nations, but instead, will work together to raise domestic resources and engage in investment-based partnerships.