Over 120 Companies Struck Off Companies Register as Registrar Issues New Gazette Notice
The Registrar of Companies in Kenya has taken decisive action to clean up the national companies register, dissolving over 120 firms with immediate effect while placing hundreds more on notice for potential deregistration.
In the latest Kenya Gazette notices published on January 30, 2026, Registrar Damaris Lukwo confirmed the dissolution of more than 120 companies under Section 897(4) of the Companies Act. These entities, spanning sectors such as construction, apparel manufacturing, financial services, logistics, hospitality, healthcare, and non-profits, have now ceased to exist as legal corporate bodies.
“Pursuant to section 897 (4) 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 with effect from the date of publication of this notice,” one of the official notices stated.
Immediate Dissolutions: No More Legal Existence
The affected companies lose all corporate rights instantly. They can no longer trade, own property, enter contracts, sue, or be sued unless a court restores their status. This move targets firms deemed dormant, non-compliant, or defunct—often due to failure to file annual returns or other statutory obligations.
This latest round follows a pattern of intensified enforcement by the Registrar’s office, including the closure of over 700 companies in late 2025 under related provisions.
Hundreds More on the Brink: Three-Month Grace Period
In separate notices (including references to Gazette Notices No. 1159, 1161, and 1163), the Registrar has flagged a significant number of additional companies for intended dissolution under Section 897(3) of the Companies Act. These firms operate across diverse industries, including construction, energy, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, technology, agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, export processing zones (EPZ), and investment holdings.
Affected businesses have a strict three-month window from the publication date to show cause why they should not be struck off. Stakeholders, creditors, or owners must provide evidence—such as proof of active operations or compliance—to prevent deregistration.
“Pursuant to section 897 (3) of 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 at the expiry of three months from the date of publication of this Notice, and invites any person to show cause why the companies should not be struck off from the Register of Companies,” the notices read.
Broader Cleanup Drive Amid Economic Pressures
These actions form part of an ongoing statutory effort to maintain an accurate and up-to-date companies register. The Registrar targets entities that no longer meet legal requirements, helping to reduce “shell” or inactive companies that clutter the system.
Business owners are strongly advised to review the full Kenya Gazette listings promptly. If your company appears, immediate steps—such as filing overdue returns or demonstrating active status—could avert permanent dissolution.
Restoration Options for Affected Firms
Dissolved companies aren’t necessarily gone forever. Restoration is possible via application to the High Court or directly to the Registrar, provided the company was operational at the time of striking off and the request is made within six years of dissolution. Success typically requires proving compliance issues were resolved and the entity had genuine activity.
This wave of deregistrations highlights the importance of regulatory compliance in Kenya’s business environment, especially as economic challenges persist and authorities push for greater transparency and accountability.
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Over 120 Companies Struck Off Companies Register as Registrar Issues New Gazette Notice