Thousands of Kenyans have been rendered jobless after the government, through the Registrar of Companies, announced the dissolution of 176 firms operating in the country.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a notice dated Friday, September 11, Deputy Registrar of Companies Hiram Gachugi said 176 firms had been dissolved with immediate effect, while another 155 were earmarked for dissolution within the next three months.

"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 notice read in part.

While Kenyans.co.ke could not immediately establish the exact number of workers affected, the shutdowns could raise fresh concerns over unemployment amid rising living costs.

📌 What You Need to Know

The affected companies span a broad range of sectors , including transport and automotive, restaurants, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy and petroleum, and construction.

Others offer beauty and personal care, travel and immigration services, general supplies, Events and creative services, the textile industry, interior design and consulting services.

The list also contains some international companies that have also been deregistered, including an Ireland-headquartered global building-materials company which has been operating in the country for several years.

In a separate notice, Gachugi listed over 155 companies earmarked for dissolution beginning December 2026 for various reasons, which the registrar did not immediately disclose.

According to Hiram, the companies earmarked for closure would soon cease operations in the country 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," the notice read in part.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke