Mass Layoffs Loom as Government Shuts Down 72 Firms and Puts 68 Others on Notice

The Registrar of Companies has dissolved 72 firms in Kenya, while another 68 businesses have been given three months to explain why they should not be removed from the official register.

The decision was announced in two separate Gazette notices published on Friday, October 23, 2026, by Deputy Registrar of Companies Hiram Gachugi. The dissolved companies were officially struck off the register effective October 23.

The development affects businesses operating across several sectors, including real estate, construction, healthcare, energy, transport, technology, hospitality, agriculture and general supplies.

Some of the dissolved firms were involved in solar energy, water purification, property development, textile production, media services, education, food processing and business consultancy.

The notices have raised questions about the possible impact on employment and business operations. However, the Registrar did not disclose how many of the affected companies were actively operating or the number of workers they employed. It is therefore unclear how many jobs, if any, could be affected by the latest decision.

In the second notice, the Registrar identified 68 additional companies facing possible dissolution. Their activities include automotive services, logistics, renewable energy, retail, investment, construction and hospitality.

The affected businesses have been given three months from the publication of the notice to challenge the proposed removal. Interested parties can submit reasons explaining why the companies should remain on the register.

The notices did not specify why each company had been selected for dissolution or possible removal. Under the Companies Act, a company may be struck off through procedures that include voluntary applications or action initiated by the Registrar.

The latest announcement follows a similar exercise in September 2026, when the Registrar announced the dissolution of 176 companies and listed another 155 for possible removal within three months.

The repeated notices indicate continued changes to Kenya’s official company register, although the notices alone do not establish whether the affected businesses had closed their operations or were still trading.

Once a company is dissolved, it ceases to exist as a registered legal entity unless it is subsequently restored through the procedures provided under the Companies Act.

For the 68 firms facing possible dissolution, the three-month period provides an opportunity to contest the proposed action before a final decision is made.

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