Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki has urged local communities to participate in deciding the future of soda ash mining in Magadi, following President William Ruto’s decision to reassign the mining concession. The move comes as Tata Chemicals Magadi has suspended operations, prompting concerns over the impact on water treatment costs. Experts warn that the shutdown may lead to increased expenses for water providers seeking alternatives to soda ash, a key component in water purification. The government is now exploring other sources to replace the chemical, which has been a critical resource for Kenya’s water infrastructure. The situation highlights growing tensions between industrial operations and local communities, as well as the economic implications of shifting resource control.