DCP Accuses Ruto of Using Tata Chemicals Closure to Advance Magadi Interests

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has accused President William Ruto's administration of using the closure of Tata Chemicals Limited's operations at Lake Magadi to advance alleged private interests in the area's mineral resources.

The party has described the shutdown of the long-running soda ash producer as “state-sponsored economic sabotage”, warning that the decision could have far-reaching economic and social consequences for communities in Magadi and beyond.

DCP claims the closure could affect the livelihoods of more than 100,000 people who depend directly or indirectly on the company's operations.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the government has not linked the closure to any private interests.

DCP Raises Questions Over Magadi Mineral Resources

In a statement, the opposition party claimed that substantial deposits of lithium and oil could exist beneath and around the Magadi area.

“The truth of the matter is, there are huge deposits worth trillions of shillings of LITHIUM metals underneath the Magadi area. Further, there are huge oil prospects in the same vicinity within which TATA Chemicals Limited operates,” the party said.

DCP further accused President Ruto of seeking greater control over natural resources across the country, naming several areas where it alleged the President had interests in mineral and petroleum exploration.

The party did not provide evidence to substantiate the claims.

It also alleged that the administration could be seeking either to force Tata Chemicals out of Magadi or restructure ownership of operations in a way that would allow other investors to undertake oil exploration.

DCP demanded the immediate reversal of the closure, warning that the move could result in significant job losses and deprive local communities of essential services supported by the company.

Party Warns of Water Treatment Crisis

DCP also raised concerns over the potential impact of the closure on Nairobi's water supply.

The party argued that Tata Chemicals supplies large quantities of soda ash used by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company in water treatment.

“The closure of Tata Chemical will expose millions of people to an immediate national health hazard,” DCP said.

It claimed that cutting off the supply of hundreds of tonnes of soda ash required each month by Nairobi and surrounding areas could disrupt water treatment and potentially pose risks to public health.

Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, is widely used in water treatment as well as the manufacture of glass, detergents and other industrial chemicals.

Ruto Defends Decision to Shut Operations

President William Ruto defended the decision during his tour of Kajiado later on Wednesday, arguing that Kenya and the local community had not received sufficient benefits from Tata Chemicals' long-standing presence in the country.

Ruto said the company had operated in the area for about a century without delivering what he described as adequate investment, employment and industrial development for Kajiado residents.

“Tata Chemicals has had the contract for 100 years and they have not built anything and not employed people in Kajiado. I have told them to pack up and leave,” Ruto said.

The President said the government would seek to replace the company with investors who would be required to establish additional manufacturing facilities.

“We will bring a new company, and they will be required to build another company for making glass and another for making chemicals,” he said.

Ruto also accused the company of exporting Kenya's natural resources for processing and use in other countries rather than creating sufficient value locally.

Tata Chemicals' Long History in Magadi

Tata Chemicals has maintained a presence in Kenya for more than a century.

The company began operations at Lake Magadi in 1911 under the Magadi Soda Company and later came under Tata Chemicals ownership in 2005.

Its operations involve extracting and processing trona from Lake Magadi to produce natural soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate.

The mineral is an important industrial raw material used in the manufacture of glass, detergents and chemicals, as well as in water-treatment processes.

Tata Chemicals has historically exported significant quantities of soda ash to international markets, including Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East.

The company's annual shipments have exceeded 350,000 tonnes, making the operation an important contributor to Kenya's export earnings.

Mining Operations Suspended Since July

Tata Chemicals' mining operations at Lake Magadi were suspended on July 28, 2026, following a directive from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

The ministry cited compliance and licensing concerns as the basis for the suspension.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the ministry had attempted to engage the company over compliance matters for several years but claimed that Tata Chemicals had failed to meet the required obligations.

The company has faced increasing scrutiny over its operations as the government pushes for greater value addition and stronger returns from Kenya's natural resources.

Court Case Set for November

The dispute has now moved into the courts.

The High Court has directed that a petition challenging the possible resumption of mining operations at Lake Magadi will be heard on November 18, 2026.

The court proceedings could provide further clarity on the regulatory and licensing issues surrounding Tata Chemicals' operations.

Meanwhile, the political dispute over the company's future has widened, with DCP questioning the government's motives while the President maintains that the closure is intended to ensure greater economic benefits for Kenya and the people of Kajiado.

The outcome of the regulatory and legal processes will determine whether Tata Chemicals resumes operations, exits the Magadi area or is replaced by another investor.