NAIROBI, Kenya– Keroche Breweries Limited is under threat of liquidation after its former Managing Director, Sam Kruschev Shollei, filed a petition in the High Court of Kenya at Nakuru, seeking to wind up the company over an unpaid judgment debt exceeding Sh75 million.
The petition, lodged on May 23, 2025, under Insolvency Cause No. HCCOMMIN/E003/2025 invokes provisions of the Insolvency Act (No. 18 of 2015) and the Companies Act (No. 17 of 2015).
A notice dated August 21, filed by Achach & Associates Advocates LLP, invites creditors and contributors to appear before the court in support or opposition to the petition when it is heard.
“NOTICE is given that a Petition for the liquidation of the above-mentioned company by the High Court was on the 23rd May 2025 presented to the said Court by Sam Kruschev Shollei and the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court sitting at Nakuru, “read the notice in part.
“Any Creditor or Contributory of the said company desirous to support or oppose the making of an order on the sald Petition may appear at the time of hearing in person or by his/her Advocate for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished by the undersigned to any Creditor or Contributory of the said company requiring such a copy on payment of the regulated charge for the same Dated this 21st August 2025.”
The dispute dates back to a 2022 Employment and Labour Relations Court ruling, where Shollei was awarded Sh52.5 million for wrongful and unfair dismissal.
After partial payments, an outstanding balance of approximately Sh45.5 million remained unpaid. Despite repeated demands, Keroche has failed to settle the debt.
Interest and litigation costs have since increased the total claim to approximately Sh75 million.
Keroche Breweries, founded in 1997 by Tabitha and Joseph Karanja, has faced persistent financial and legal challenges in recent years.
The company, known for brands such as Summit Lager and Crescent Vodka, has encountered disputes with the Kenya Revenue Authority and issues related to tax arrears and licensing fees.
The petition for liquidation will be heard at the High Court in Nakuru, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to present their positions before a decision is made.
