Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has accused soda ash manufacturer Tata Chemicals of failing to meet government requirements for its mining operations in Kenya.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Joho said the government issued Tata Chemicals with an initial compliance notice in July.
Instead of responding to the concerns raised, he said the company went to court seeking immunity to continue operating. The request was later declined.
Joho was speaking after President William Ruto ordered the closure of Tata Chemicals’ mining operations in Kajiado County.
The Cabinet Secretary said the company had been asked to comply with Kenya’s 2016 mining law, particularly on beneficiation, compliance and community involvement.
Joho said Kenya’s mineral resources should contribute to economic growth and benefit communities living in areas where mining takes place.
“Our minerals are our wealth, and they are supposed to build our economy, industrialize our country, and benefit our local communities,” he said.
The CS also claimed that the Kajiado County government had strongly opposed the company’s licensing because of what he described as limited engagement with the county.
He accused Tata Chemicals of failing to provide communities with the required share of proceeds from its mining activities.
According to Joho, the 2016 Mining Act requires mining companies to establish a committee involving affected communities.
He said the committee should receive at least one per cent of the company’s gross income in cash and negotiate with the investor on community benefits.
Joho claimed Tata Chemicals had not followed this requirement despite operating in the area for many years. He said the company had instead allowed residents to access its hospital at a small fee and use its water source.
The Cabinet Secretary also questioned why mining activities have covered only about two square kilometres of Lake Magadi, which he said covers approximately 100 square kilometres and contains regenerating trona deposits.
He argued that Kenya could consider allowing more operators while ensuring the country gets greater value from its mineral resources through beneficiation.
Last week, President Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals to leave the country, claiming that the company had not brought enough development or employment to Kajiado despite holding a contract that has lasted about 100 years.
The President said the contract would be given to another company under strict conditions, setting the stage for changes in how the resource at Lake Magadi is managed.
