Thousands of Kenyans rendered jobless as over 70 firms shut down, others threatened
More than 240 companies in Kenya face a shutdown after a government move to dissolve them from the official Register of Companies.
The directive has led to massive job losses across several industries, including 74 businesses that have already been dissolved.
The list includes firms in construction, health, water, energy, transport, manufacturing, and trade.
The notice, dated 13 June, says another 169 companies could face the same fate within three months unless someone objects.
Kenyan law allows the Registrar of Companies to dissolve businesses that fail to file annual returns, operate without licenses, or become insolvent.
Once removed, companies must apply through the High Court or registrar to be restored. They must also prove they were still active at the time of being struck off and that six years have not passed since the closure.
The latest move comes shortly after another notice on 5 June confirmed the dissolution of Caltex House Service Station Limited, a multinational oil and motor company with more than 165 service stations across Kenya.
The firm had operated for over 75 years and employed thousands of Kenyans.
The government says the process will help clean up the business registry.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
