A section of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]
Thousands of residents in Magadi Ward, Kajiado West, are staring at an uncertain future after the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs ordered the immediate suspension of operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, cutting access to water, healthcare, education and livelihoods across the area.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, July 29, citing unresolved compliance issues under the Mining Act.
The order halts mining and soda ash export operations at the company, which has supplied water and social services to the largely dry region for decades.
Residents now fear the disruption could put both people and livestock at risk in an area with no reliable boreholes or rivers.
"We can survive without many things, but we cannot survive without water. We are now worried about our children, our livestock and our families. Where will we get water if the company stops supplying it?" said Nickson Supet, a resident.
A spot check of Magadi town found deserted streets and shuttered businesses. Traders said business has hit an all-time low in the past two weeks, with hundreds of Tata Chemicals employees leaving the town after the closure and deepening the local economic crisis.
The closure has also raised fears over healthcare access after the company signalled plans to cease services at Magadi Hospital, the only Level Four facility in the ward.