Kenya's President Ruto Tells Tata Chemicals to Leave, Citing Lack of Local Investment

Kenya's President William Ruto has directed Tata Chemicals, the Indian manufacturer of soda ash from Lake Magadi, to leave the country, accusing the company of failing to create any meaningful economic impact in one of Kenya's key export sectors.

Speaking at a public rally, Ruto said the company should "pack and leave" and make way for a new investor. He stressed that while soda ash from Lake Magadi has the potential to transform Kenya's economy, Tata Chemicals has "not built anything in Kajiado," the county where the lake is located. "They have not built any factory or employed people," he said.

The President also alleged that the firm has been extracting Kenya's natural resources and shipping them to India without adding local value. He announced that any new investor would be required to set up a glass factory in the region as a condition of entry.

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited has operated in Kenya since 2005. However, its operations were suspended in July by Kenya's Ministry of Mining pending a compliance review. The company's potential exit raises concerns over job losses and a significant drop in government revenue.

In a statement to the National Stock Exchange of India, Tata Chemicals said it is "fully compliant" with Kenyan regulations and is awaiting formal communication from the government regarding the review. The company did not confirm receiving an official expulsion order but reiterated its commitment to "constructive engagement."

Soda ash, produced from trona extracted from Lake Magadi, is used in glass, soaps, and detergents. Kenya exported 254,779 tons of soda ash, valued at $56.9 million, in the year to July 2025. Commercial production in the area dates back to 1911.