Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has established a high-level technical committee to address the standoff between the Government and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited over outstanding regulatory, community and land issues.
The committee was formed following the Ministry’s engagement with the company’s executives, according to a statement issued by the CS on Tuesday.
The committee will be jointly led by the Principal Secretary for Mining, representing the Ministry, and the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Chemicals Magadi.
It has been tasked with conducting a detailed technical review of all outstanding and unresolved compliance matters and preparing a report for submission to the CS for consideration and further direction.
Among the key issues to be addressed are mineral beneficiation and in-country value addition, outstanding community benefits and royalty obligations, unresolved land matters, opening up of the area for multiple mineral extraction activities and outstanding matters between the company and the Kajiado County Government.
“The objective is not only to resolve the outstanding compliance matters but also to establish a sustainable framework that promotes responsible mining, value addition, community development and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the statement said.
The Government said it remained committed to constructive engagement with investors while ensuring that all companies operating in Kenya comply with the country’s laws and regulations and protect the interests of local communities.
The latest move comes amid growing pressure on Tata Chemicals Magadi over its operations in Magadi, Kajiado County.
Last week, President William Ruto directed the company to leave the country, accusing it of failing to deliver adequate development and employment opportunities to Kenyans despite operating in the country for many years.
The directive followed a long-running dispute involving the company, the national Government, Kajiado County Government and residents over royalties, land matters, community benefits and local economic opportunities.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and Magadi residents have welcomed the Government’s intervention, accusing Tata Chemicals Magadi of failing to make a tangible contribution to the local community.
Residents have previously raised concerns over alleged failure to honour community obligations, including royalty payments and commitments contained in the Community Development Agreement.
By Diana Meneto
End
