Magadi miner Tata Chemicals feted for exemplary CSR

Hon. Joseph K. Langat, Chair of the National Mining Corporation of Kenya (NAMICO), (second left) presenting the NAMICO Lifetime Achievement Award for Exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in the Mining Industry to Tata Chemicals Magadi. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

The multi-national Magadi Soda ash Miner Tata Chemicals (TCML) based in Kajiado County has been feted for Exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility initiative within the mining industry in Kenya.

The giant company was feted by the National Mining Corporation((NAMICO) during the Kenya Mining Investment Conference & Exhibition held in Nairobi.

The prestigious recognition celebrates the company's dedication to improving the well-being of the local community through a variety of impactful support programs

According to Wilson Tima, Facilities and Community Affairs Manager, the company's initiatives focus on essential areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and women's empowerment, fostering sustainable development in the semi-arid Magadi region.

''The company plays a crucial role in healthcare by operating a Level 4 hospital that provides essential medical services to the local population. This facility, boasting a 55-bed capacity, serves as a vital health resource, with around 90% of inpatients and 80% of outpatients coming from the indigenous community'' said Tima.

In addition to the hospital, Tata Chemicals offers subsidized healthcare services to ensure that essential medical care is accessible to those in need.

Tima who spoke to the Standard after receiving the award, said one of the company’s key contributions is its provision of clean drinking water to approximately 19,000 residents, which accounts for 64% of the Magadi Division.

''Each week, we supply 140,000 liters of treated water to underserved areas along a 48-kilometer stretch between Magadi and Singiraine, Furthermore, the company ensures that 50,000 liters of treated water are delivered daily to crucial public institutions, including 23 primary schools, 40 early childhood education centers, seven dispensaries, and 17 community water points'' he added.

He says to support local water access, Tata Chemicals also drill boreholes and rehabilitate water lines.

The company also invests around Sh7.24 million annually, in providing scholarships and resources to local students. Each year, secondary school scholarships are awarded to 38 students, totaling KShs. 2.4 million, while 25 university students from Kajiado County benefit from scholarships, ensuring a total of 232 students receive support at any given time.

''Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited (TCML) holds a pivotal role in the African economy, recognized as the continent's leading producer of natural soda ash and one of Kenya's top exporters. Annually, it exports more than 350,000 tons of soda ash to markets across Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Africa, contributing nearly 6% to Kenya’s overall exports through the port of Mombasa'' said Tima.