Looming mass layoffs as government announces plans to shut down over 300 companies
Looming mass layoffs as government announces plans to shut down over 300 companies
Thousands of Kenyans risk losing their jobs after the government announced plans to shut down over 300 companies within the next three months.
In a gazette notice dated January 2, 2026, Registrar of Companies, Damaris Lukwo, revealed plans to remove the companies from the registry beginning April this year.
The companies earmarked for dissolution mainly engage in consultancy services, security, media, publishing, building and construction, transport and supply.
Others include firms that engage in offering education services, electrical services, insurance services, internet, milling, branding, cleaning services and management services.
In the notice, Lukwo announced a 90-day window for Kenyans to express their reservations on why the 300 companies should not be struck from the registry.
“Pursuant to section 894 (3) of the Companies Act, the Registrar of Companies gives notice that the names of the companies specified hereunder shall be struck off from the Register of Companies,” read part of the notice.
“The companies shall be struck off the registry at the expiry of three months from the date of publication of this notice, and invites any person to show cause why the companies should not be struck off from the registry,” it added.
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The latest announcement comes on the back of a heightened crackdown on non-compliant companies to ensure accuracy in the operations of firms in the country.
Under the Kenyan laws, a company may cease operations through voluntary dissolution or by being struck from the registry by the Registrar of Companies, which operates under the Business Registration Services (BRS).
BRS is a state corporation which exercises its duties under the Companies Act of 2015 and operates under the office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice.
The Registrar of Companies may strike off the firm from the registry if the company fails to lodge annual returns or if a court order requires the government to dissolve the firm.
However, in some instances, the Kenya Revenue Authority might apply to have the dissolution of a company suspended due to an active tax dispute.
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