NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 26 – Keroche Breweries Limited is facing a fresh battle for survival after its former Managing Director, Sam Kruschev Shollei, petitioned the High Court in Nakuru to liquidate the company over an unpaid judgment debt.
In a notice dated August 21 and filed by Achach & Associates Advocates LLP, creditors and contributors were informed of the petition and invited to appear before the court in support or opposition when the matter 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,” the notice read in part.
The case stems from a long-running employment dispute.
In 2022, the Employment and Labour Relations Court awarded Shollei more than Sh52 million for wrongful and unfair dismissal. After partial payments, an outstanding balance of about Sh45.5 million remained unpaid.
The petitioner now contends that the brewer has failed to settle the remaining debt despite repeated demands. According to court filings, interest and litigation costs have pushed the total claim to roughly Sh75 million.
The development deepens the woes of Keroche, which has grappled with persistent tax rows with the Kenya Revenue Authority and prolonged cash-flow challenges in recent years.
Founded in 1997 by Tabitha and Joseph Karanja, Keroche rose into a formidable local competitor to multinational brewers with a portfolio spanning beer, spirits, and ready-to-drink vodkas. But financial difficulties have repeatedly placed it in the headlines, with the latest winding-up petition further tightening the noose on the beleaguered brewer.
