President William Ruto speaks in Magadi, Kajiado, on September 5, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has ordered the immediate restoration of water supply to residents of Magadi, Kajiado County, following reports that services had been disrupted amid a dispute over the operations of Tata Chemicals.
Ruto directed the Water Cabinet Secretary to remain in Magadi until residents regain the water supply they previously received, insisting that the resource belongs to the local people.
Speaking during his development tour of Kajiado County, the President said he had received reports that residents had been denied water after his administration moved to review the long-standing contract involving Tata Chemicals.
“I have heard that they have stopped water supply to the people because we have said that we want to correct that contract,” Ruto said.
He questioned the basis for restricting access to water, saying the resource was not an imported commodity but belonged to the people of the area.
“There is no one who has imported water from outside the country. The water belongs to the people here,” he said.
The President then directed the Water CS to remain in Magadi and oversee the restoration of the water supply.
“Water CS, Wednesday, you come here. I want you to stay here in Magadi until the people here get the water they used to get. The water supply should continue,” Ruto said.
Ruto also turned his attention to a hospital in Magadi, directing Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to ensure the facility remains operational and adequately staffed.
The President said he had received reports that the hospital was at risk of closure, but maintained that the facility was public property and belonged to residents.
“I have told Governor Lenku that the hospital that is over there, I have heard that they want to close it. The hospital is public property and belongs to the people,” he said.
He directed Lenku to recruit and deploy doctors to the facility to ensure residents continue accessing healthcare services.
“You, Lenku, go and get the doctors. Go and put them there,” Ruto said.
The President linked the reported disruption of water and health services to the ongoing dispute surrounding the mineral extraction contract, warning that his administration would not be pressured into reversing its position.
“I cannot accept blackmail. They are trying to blackmail us with water and the hospital. I want to tell them that blackmail is unacceptable,” Ruto said.
Ruto described blackmail as an injustice and unfairness that could perpetuate exploitation, insisting that such practices would not be tolerated.
“Blackmail is injustice. Blackmail is unfairness. Blackmail leads to exploitation. It is not acceptable in the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
The President's remarks came days after he ordered a review of the Tata Chemicals arrangement in Magadi, arguing that Kenya and residents of Kajiado should derive greater benefits from the area's natural resources.
He has also directed that the mineral resource be subjected to a fresh bidding process, with more companies allowed to participate and strict conditions requiring local value addition.
Ruto said water and healthcare services should not be used as leverage in disputes over investment and resource extraction.
“The hospital will continue. The water will continue,” he declared.
