Kenya's Ruto Demands Exit of Tata Chemicals Over Economic Concerns

In a significant move, Kenya's President William Ruto has ordered Indian multinational Tata Chemicals to exit the country, citing the company's lack of economic contribution to the local market. The directive was made during a public rally, where Ruto expressed frustration over the perceived shortcomings of Tata's operations in the vital soda ash sector.

Tata Chemicals has been producing soda ash from Lake Magadi since 2005, a mineral essential for manufacturing glass and cleaning products. However, Ruto noted that the company has failed to invest in local infrastructure or create jobs in Kajiado County, where the lake is situated. "They have not built anything in Kajiado. They have been taking our resources and shipping them to India," Ruto stated emphatically.

As of July 2025, Kenya's soda ash exports reached 254,779 tons, valued at $56.9 million, but the president insists that a new investor should replace Tata Chemicals, with the stipulation that they must establish a glass factory in the region. Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, on the other hand, claims to be fully compliant with local regulations and is awaiting further communication from the Kenyan government regarding its operations.

Source: www.independent.co.uk