Mass layoffs as 51 companies shut down
Many Kenyans are set to lose their jobs after the government, through the Registrar of Companies, moved to dissolve over 50 firms.
Many Kenyans are set to lose their jobs after the government, through the Registrar of Companies, moved to dissolve over 50 firms.
In a gazette notice issued on Friday, March 6, 2026, Registrar of Companies Damaris Lukwo confirmed that 51 companies had been struck off the register in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act.
“Pursuant to section 897 of the Companies Act, it is notified for the information of the general public that the following companies are dissolved and their names have been struck off the Register of Companies,” the notice read.
The companies affected operate across various sectors, including construction logistics, general contracting, engineering, consultancy, steel fabrication, and the sale of vehicle spare parts.
Others provide tour and travel transport services, insurance broking, financial advisory, investment management, dental care, wholesale supplies and procurement services.
Jobs signage.image used for representation purposes. PHOTO/Pexels
Their dissolution follows applications and administrative review processes, effectively terminating their legal existence as corporate entities as of the date of publication.
While the notice did not explicitly state the reason for their dissolution, such actions always happen when a firm fails to comply with legal requirements, which often involves failing to file annual returns or being inactive.
A company may also be struck off the registry through a court order when a judge orders its liquidation.
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At the same time, Lukwo announced plans to strike more than 300 companies off its register, a move that could trigger another wave of job losses.
According to the registrar of companies, 302 firms would be removed from its register beginning in June 2026, unless they explain, within three months, why they should remain registered.
“Pursuant to 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 invite any person to show cause why the companies should not be struck off from the registry.”
This large-scale company strike-off initiative is expected to affect hundreds of workers, raising concerns about potential job losses and economic stability.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, February 27, 2026, the Registrar of Companies, Damaris Lukwo, said that 117 firms would be removed from its register beginning in June 2026.
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