Thousands of Kenyans could face job losses following the government's decision, through the Registrar of Companies, to dissolve 72 firms and earmark another 68 for possible closure within the next three months.
In two separate Gazette notices published on Friday, October 23, Deputy Registrar of Companies Hiram Gachugi confirmed that 72 companies had been struck off the register, while 68 others were given three months to explain why they should not face a similar fate.
The development has raised concerns over the potential impact on employment, although the exact number of workers affected remains unclear, as the Registrar did not disclose whether the companies were actively operating or how many people they employed.
According to the notices, the affected businesses cut across several sectors of the economy, including real estate, construction, healthcare, energy, technology, transport, hospitality, agriculture and general supplies.
A photo of a man at a manufacturing company
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Alliance Employment Services
Among the dissolved firms are businesses involved in healthcare services, water purification, solar energy, property development, textiles, media production, education, food processing and business consultancy.
The Registrar confirmed that the 72 companies had been dissolved with effect from October 23, meaning their names were officially removed from the Register of Companies.
"Pursuant to section 897(4) of the Companies Act, it is notified for the information of the general public that the following companies have been dissolved and their names struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the date of publication of this Notice," the Gazette notice reads.
In a separate notice, Gachugi listed 68 additional companies facing dissolution, including businesses dealing in real estate development, automotive services, logistics, renewable energy, hospitality, retail, construction and investment.
The Registrar gave the affected companies three months from the publication date to contest their removal, inviting any person with an interest in the businesses to explain why they should remain registered.
The notices did not disclose the specific reasons behind the dissolution or proposed removal of the companies.
However, under the Companies Act, companies may be struck off the register through procedures that include voluntary applications and action initiated by the Registrar.
The latest development comes barely a month after the Registrar announced the dissolution of 176 companies in September 2026, while another 155 were listed for possible removal from the register within three months.
Once a company is dissolved, it ceases to exist as a registered legal entity unless subsequently restored through the procedures provided under the Companies Act.
An aerial view of companies in Industrial Area in Nairobi.
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KnightFrank