Tata Chemicals has said its Kenyan subsidiary, Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML), is "fully compliant" with regulatory requirements after Kenyan President William Ruto ordered the Indian company to end its operations in the country.
Ruto had directed Tata Chemicals to leave its operations at Lake Magadi in Kajiado County, accusing the company of failing to deliver sufficient economic and industrial benefits to the local community. The development follows a suspension of TCML's mining operations and soda ash exports by Kenya's Ministry of Mining in July.
In a statement to the stock exchanges, Tata Chemicals said TCML had submitted all the information, reports and documents sought by Kenya's Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
"We wish to reiterate that on August 11, 2026, Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited submitted all the required information, reports and documentation and TCML is fully compliant with the regulatory requirements," the company said.
The company said it was now awaiting the ministry's review of its submissions and further directions.
"TCML having provided a comprehensive response to the matters raised by the Ministry, including information regarding its compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, awaits the Ministry's review of our submissions and its further direction," Tata Chemicals said.
Tata Chemicals says it remains committed to Kenya
Tata Chemicals said it respects the authority of the Kenyan government and remains committed to resolving the outstanding issues through legal and regulatory channels.
"Since 2005, when Tata Chemicals Limited acquired the Magadi plant, it has played an important role in the Kenyan economy and continues to be an integral part of our business," the company said.
The company added that the welfare of its employees, the Magadi community and other stakeholders remained a priority, along with Kenya's continued economic development.
According to Tata Chemicals, the Magadi operation directly and indirectly supports thousands of people in the region. The company has also highlighted its community initiatives covering areas such as water, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Why did Kenya order Tata Chemicals to leave?
Ruto announced the decision during a visit to Magadi in Kajiado County, where Tata Chemicals operates its soda ash facility.
The Kenyan President criticised the company for what he described as insufficient investment and local value creation, arguing that the country's natural resources should generate greater economic benefits for communities in the region.
Ruto said the government planned to bring in new investors who would be required to establish manufacturing facilities locally, including a large glass factory and a chemicals plant in Kajiado.
The dispute escalated after Kenya's mining ministry ordered TCML in July to suspend its mining operations pending a compliance review and also halted exports of soda ash. Tata Chemicals subsequently submitted the requested documentation to the ministry.
Tata Chemicals' Magadi operations
Tata Chemicals acquired the Magadi plant in 2005. The facility produces natural soda ash from trona extracted from Lake Magadi. Soda ash is widely used in industries including glass manufacturing, chemicals, soaps and detergents.
The Magadi operation is one of Africa's major natural soda ash producers and has been an important part of Tata Chemicals' international business.
The company has not indicated that it has accepted an immediate exit from Kenya. Instead, its latest statement says it is awaiting the Kenyan ministry's review and further instructions while continuing engagement with the authorities.
The dispute therefore remains unresolved, with the Kenyan government seeking a change in the operation and Tata Chemicals maintaining that its Kenyan subsidiary has complied with applicable regulatory requirements.
