Tata Chemicals seeks regulatory resolution after Kenya President orders operations halt

TCML is Africa’s largest producer of natural soda ash.

Since 2005, when Tata Chemicals acquired the Magadi plant, it has played an important role in the Kenyan economy and continues to be an integral part of its business, the company said on media reports of the statements made by President of Kenya.

“We respect the authority of the Government of Kenya and remain committed to constructive engagement through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels to resolve the outstanding matters,” the company said. “Our priority continues to be the well-being of our employees, the Magadi community, our stakeholders in Kenya and continued economic development of Kenya.”

Tata Chemicals acquired a 100% stake in Brunner Mond in December, and Magadi Soda became Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited. In 1991, Brunner Mond Holdings Limited was formed, including the Kenyan soda ash business from ICI.

Ruto said the government would bring in two new companies to take over operations for Tata Chemicals. “That Tata company … had that contract for 100 years. They have not built anything in Kajiado, they have not built any factory in Kajiado,” Ruto said.

The company said it acknowledged the official communication received, continues to be letter from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs (Ministry) dated July 28, 2026.

TCML commissioned a state-of-the-art 10 tonnes per hour electric calciner, the first of its kind in the global soda ash industry in July 2025. Alongside this, TCML also launched a 5MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, marking a significant shift from Heavy Furnace Oil (HFO)-based calcination to renewable, low-carbon technologies.

The commissioning, which forms part of TCML’s expansion programme positions Tata Chemicals Magadi as a leading player in sustainable industrial practices and brings the company closer to achieving carbon neutrality in line with the Tata group’s 2045 target, it said in an earlier statement.