Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) 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 CS in a statement to newsrooms indicates that the decision follows years of sustained engagement between the State Department for Mining and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited regarding its statutory obligations under the Mining Act, Cap. 306, the Mining (License and Permit) Regulations 2017, the Mining (Royalty Collection and Management) Regulations 2024, and other relevant legal frameworks.
The suspension was done through a letter to Tata using the provisions of the Mining Act, Cap. 306, which gives the CS authority to suspend mining operations of any company that doesn’t comply.
Joho said that despite these engagements, several critical compliance issues remain unresolved, including lack 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 (CDA), inadequate employment and skills transfer plan for Kenyan citizens, weak procurement of local goods and services, and environmental compliance shortfalls.
“The company has, therefore, been directed to submit comprehensive documentation and evidence demonstrating full compliance with all the statutory obligations and to address any outstanding liabilities before it can resume operations,” said Joho.
The CS assured 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.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
