Tata Chemicals on Friday said its Kenya-based subsidiary, Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML), remains fully compliant with regulatory requirements, after Kenyan President William Ruto ordered the company to halt its operations amid concerns over the benefits of its activities to the country.
The company said it had received an official communication from Kenya’s Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs dated July 28 and subsequently submitted the required information and documents.
“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,” Tata Chemicals said in a statement.
The company said TCML had also provided a detailed response to the issues raised by the ministry, including information concerning its compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The subsidiary is now awaiting the ministry’s review of its submissions and further directions.
The development follows President Ruto’s directive to stop the company’s operations in Kenya, with the President alleging that its activities had failed to provide sufficient benefits to the country.
TCML operates Tata Chemicals’ Magadi soda ash business in Kajiado County. Tata Chemicals acquired the Magadi plant in 2005 and said the business has since made a significant contribution to the Kenyan economy.
The company said it respects the authority of the Kenyan government and remains committed to resolving the outstanding issues through constructive engagement and the appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
“Tata Chemicals’ priority remains the well-being of our employees, the Magadi community and other stakeholders in Kenya, as well as the country’s continued economic development,” the company said.
Shares slip after Kenya development
The developments weighed on Tata Chemicals shares on Friday. The stock fell as much as 2.77 per cent to Rs 624.15 on the BSE by 1:15 pm.
The stock has traded between a 52-week high of Rs 1,026 and a 52-week low of Rs 581.30, according to exchange data.
The Kenya dispute now puts the spotlight on the regulatory future of Tata Chemicals’ long-standing Magadi operations, with the company awaiting the Kenyan ministry’s assessment of the documents and compliance information it has submitted.
With inputs from IANS