Ngetich Backs Ruto Over Magadi Closure, Calls for Local Mineral Value Addition

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has backed President William Ruto’s directive concerning Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited, saying the move underscores the need to protect Kenya’s natural resources and ensure communities benefit from mineral wealth.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Ngetich said the organisation welcomed what he described as the President’s decisive action, arguing that natural resources should be managed with the interests of both present and future generations in mind.

Ngetich questioned the long-term economic benefits that residents of Kajiado County and Kenyans at large have derived from the company’s operations over the years.

“There was no way the President could sit and watch this continuous exploitation of our mineral resources,” Ngetich said, while defending the push for greater local participation and value addition.

He argued that Kenya should move away from exporting raw minerals and instead invest in domestic processing, saying this would strengthen local industries, create employment opportunities and increase government and community revenues.

According to Ngetich, critical minerals will become increasingly important to Kenya’s economic future as countries pursue green energy transitions and seek greater economic independence.

He further called on opposition leaders to avoid politicising the issue and instead support government efforts aimed at securing greater economic benefits from the country’s natural resources.

Ngetich also pointed to the recently enacted Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, 2026, saying the framework could help ensure that revenues generated from finite natural resources are not entirely consumed by the current generation but are partly preserved for future Kenyans.

He said responsible management of natural resources requires stronger mechanisms for sharing mining revenues among the national government, county governments and local communities.

“The President’s understanding of the importance of local value addition and his decisive action is what any responsible leader can take to transform the economy of the country,” Ngetich said.

The activist also urged leaders in Kajiado to support initiatives aimed at securing greater benefits for local communities, arguing that the national government has a constitutional and legal responsibility to regulate the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

Ngetich further alleged that some foreign companies have historically sought political influence by supporting opposition interests, calling on the government to investigate what he described as external interference in Kenya’s natural resource sector.

He urged President Ruto to remain firm on the issue, saying stronger oversight of mineral extraction would help safeguard Kenya’s economic interests and ensure that communities living in resource-rich areas receive tangible and sustainable benefits.

The statement comes amid renewed debate over the operations and economic contribution of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited and the government’s approach to mineral extraction, environmental protection and local value addition.