Reporter: Faith Kendi
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized the government’s handling of the Tata Chemicals dispute warning that President William Ruto’s heavy-handedness could discourage investors from putting their money in Kenya.
In a social media post, Sifuna said disputes between governments and companies are common, but should be resolved through established legal and dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than public directives ordering businesses to exit the country.
“When companies make decisions about where to put their investments, the dispute resolution regime in place is key because disputes arise all the time,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna’s criticism comes a day after President William Ruto announced that Kenya would be parting ways with Tata Chemicals that has been mining Sodium bicarbonate at Lake Magadi.
The company has been operating in Kenya for over 100 years.
“They have not constructed anything in Kajiado, including even employing people here. I recently told them to vacate and get out of this country. Let them go. They have been taking our resources to India,” Ruto said during his development tour of Kajiado.
Sifuna has promised that if his Linda Mwananchi faction ascends to power in 2027, they will create a conducive environment for business.
“The “Mambo Matatu, pack and go” approach where the President can just shut down your business is very bad for investment and consequently, job creation.” The Nairobi Senator said.
“It is why we in Linda Mwananchi insist on a return to the Rule of Law. That’s our Plan!” He has added.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party(DCP) led by Ruto’s former turned critic Rigathi Gachagua has without proof insinuated that the move to expel Tata Chemicals could be driven by the President personal interest in minerals found in the Magadi area.
