The government has suspended all mining operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited after finding that the company had not fully met several legal and regulatory requirements despite years of engagement with the State Department for Mining.
In a statement dated July 29, 2026, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced the immediate suspension, saying the company will remain out of operation until it demonstrates full compliance with the Mining Act, its regulations and other laws governing Kenya's mining sector.
The ministry said the action follows prolonged discussions with Tata Chemicals Magadi over its statutory obligations, but several key issues remain unresolved.
Among the concerns raised by the ministry are the absence of a clear mineral beneficiation and value addition strategy, outstanding royalty reconciliation and payment obligations, insufficient export reporting and reconciliation, poor implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), inadequate employment and skills transfer plans for Kenyan citizens, weak procurement of local goods and services, and environmental compliance shortfalls.
"The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining operations by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited until the company fully complies with the Mining Act, its Regulations and all other applicable laws governing Kenya's mining sector," the statement said.
The ministry also directed the company to submit comprehensive documentation and evidence proving that it has met all statutory obligations and settled any outstanding liabilities before it can resume mining activities.
CS Joho said the decision was reached after years of sustained engagement between the State Department for Mining and the company regarding compliance with the Mining Act, Cap. 306, the Mining (Licence and Permit) Regulations 2017, the Mining (Royalty Collection and Management) Regulations 2024 and other relevant legal frameworks.
The CS added that the ministry will continue enforcing compliance across the mining sector to ensure the country's mineral resources are managed in line with the law and deliver benefits to Kenyans.
"CS Joho reassures that the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Kenya's mineral resources are exploited responsibly, sustainably, and in a manner that delivers maximum economic value to the country while safeguarding the environment and protecting the interests of host communities."
The suspension will remain in place until Tata Chemicals Magadi satisfies the ministry that it has addressed all outstanding compliance issues and fulfilled the legal requirements governing its mining operations