President William Ruto has announced plans to bring in a new investor to take over soda ash mining operations in Lake Magadi following the government’s decision to end Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited’s operations.

Speaking in Kajiado during a development tour of the county, President Ruto said the new investor would be required to establish a glass manufacturing plant and a chemical processing factory in Kajiado before being granted a licence to operate.

The president’s decree elicited swift response from opposition and critics who accused him of having personal interests in the unnamed company that is said to be prospecting for rare earth minerals in the region. Coastal region, especially Kwale and Taita-Taveta counties and sections Kajiado County have in recent years been credited with massive deposits of rare earth minerals that driving industrial and technological growth in in China, Japan, United States and Europe.

President Ruto said his decision will ensure that Kenya derives greater economic value from the mineral resources in Lake Magadi region through local processing, job creation and industrialisation, instead of exporting raw materials for processing elsewhere.

“Soda ash is a big resource that can change Kajiado and Kenya at large. Why should we import glass if we have the raw material for making glass here?” he wondered.

The president accused Tata Chemicals of operating in Kajiado for more than a century without making sufficient investments in the county or creating adequate employment opportunities for residents.

“Despite operating in Kajiado for more than 100 years, Tata Chemicals Magadi, has built nothing in Kajiado. No industry and no employment opportunities. I told them to pack and go,” President Ruto said.

The announcement comes weeks after Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho suspended mining operations by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited over alleged regulatory non-compliance.

On July 29, 2026, Joho ordered the suspension, citing several unresolved compliance issues, including the lack of a clear mineral beneficiation and value-addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, and inadequate export reporting and reconciliation.

The company was also faulted over the implementation of community development agreements (CDAs), employment and skills transfer plans for Kenyan citizens, procurement of local goods and services, as well as environmental compliance.

Since the suspension, the company has shut down operations.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Diana Meneto