The government has announced plans to dissolve 742 companies, sparking renewed fears over potential job losses as economic pressures continue to tighten.
In a gazette notice released on Friday, Registrar of Companies Damaris Lukwo revealed that the affected firms have been issued with a three-month window ending February 2026 to file objections before their names are struck off the register.
The notice cites various reasons for the planned dissolutions, including prolonged inactivity, completion of a company’s original mandate, inability to pay debts, internal shareholder disputes, and consistent failure to meet statutory requirements such as filing annual returns.
Under Kenyan law, companies that remain dormant or fail to comply with reporting obligations may be presumed inactive, triggering an automatic strike-off process. This usually follows warning letters, compliance reminders, and eventually a gazette notice indicating intention to dissolve.
Should the companies fail to challenge the decision within the three-month period, they will lose their legal status and will no longer transact business, operate bank accounts, or engage in contracts under their registered names. The move is expected to impact multiple sectors, with workers and employers now seeking clarity on the potential ripple effects on livelihoods and the wider business environment.
