Big News for Kajiado as Ruto Announces Changes to Magadi Mining Operations

President William Ruto has announced plans to open Kenya’s Magadi soda ash mining sector to four to five new investors, signalling a major shift in the management of one of the country’s important mineral resources.

The President said the move is aimed at ending the dominance of a single company, attracting fresh investment and ensuring Kenya benefits more from its natural resources through local manufacturing and job creation.

Speaking during his tour of Kajiado County on Tuesday, October 28, Ruto directed Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho to oversee the process of bringing in new investors to exploit the vast soda ash deposits around Lake Magadi.

The Head of State argued that Kenya should no longer export raw minerals while missing opportunities to manufacture finished products locally.

“My instructions are that we should never continue to export our soda ash in raw form. It must be added value here in Kenya,” Ruto said.

The President said the Magadi region has the potential to support several industrial ventures, including glass manufacturing and chemical processing.

He maintained that the mineral resource should be used to establish industries capable of creating employment opportunities, expanding Kenya’s manufacturing sector and retaining more economic value within the country.

Ruto questioned why a resource that can support multiple industries should remain under the control of one company.

“There is no way we are going to allow one company to monopolise a big resource that can support industries in Kenya, glass industries,” he said.

The government hopes the entry of additional investors will increase competition and encourage the establishment of factories that process soda ash locally instead of exporting it as a raw material.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said the government would advertise the available opportunities and invite interested investors to submit fresh applications.

Joho emphasised that prospective investors would be required to demonstrate how their operations would benefit Kenyan citizens and contribute to national economic development.

“We will advertise, and everybody must reapply afresh. And if they do, they must show us how the people and the country will benefit,” Joho said.

The process is expected to determine the future structure of soda ash mining operations in Magadi, including the level of participation by new companies.

The announcement comes amid a dispute between the government and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, whose operations were suspended in July 2026 following concerns raised by the Ministry of Mining.

The company has faced questions over regulatory compliance, royalty payments, export reporting and commitments relating to local investment and community development.

Tata Chemicals has maintained that it is compliant with applicable requirements and has said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the Kenyan government.

Meanwhile, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has raised concerns over outstanding land rates, royalties, community land issues and water supply challenges affecting residents of Nguruman.

The reported claims include KSh17 billion in land rates and royalties allegedly owed to the county government and KSh1 billion said to be owed to the Magadi community.

The competing interests present a challenge for the government as it seeks to attract new investors while addressing outstanding regulatory and community concerns.

Ultimately, the success of the proposed changes will depend on whether the government can attract credible investors, establish local processing industries and ensure that residents of Kajiado and the wider Kenyan economy benefit from the country’s mineral wealth.

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