Roofings Kenya Shuts Down: Mass Layoffs Signal Deeper Crisis in Construction Sector.
Roofings Kenya Limited, a major player in steel and construction materials, has announced a full shutdown of operations due to crippling financial woes and soaring costs, as detailed in Kenya Times coverage.
“We regret to inform you that due to serious financial difficulties and the high cost of operations, we have made the difficult decision to shut down all our operations. As a result, the Company will no longer be able to sustain on maintain any positions, hence your employment will be declared redundant,” read the notice.
This move declares all employees redundant, affecting around 250 workers across Nairobi facilities, with termination effective January 2, 2026, following a 30-day notice per Kenya’s Employment Act.
“During the notice period, you shall be required to carry out your duties and responsibilities professionally in accordance with Roofings Kenya Limited policies and procedures. If you demonstrate unprofessional conduct during the notice period, you shall be subjected to disciplinary action that could result to a summary dismissal,” read part of the notice.
The notice from CEO stresses professional conduct during the wind-down, promising severance pay (15 days’ salary per year served), accrued leave payouts, certificates of service, and union consultations.
This comes amid unprofessionalism warnings that could lead to summary dismissal, underscoring tense final months for staff who’ve supported Roofings since its 1994 founding by Dr. Sikander Lalani.
Roofings joins a wave of 2025 exits like CMC Motors, D.T. Dobie, and Al-Habib Bank, driven by economic pressures, currency woes, and high ops costs eroding viability in Kenya’s manufacturing landscape.
As a Roofings Group subsidiary producing galvanized wire, roofing sheets, and more from sites in Ruaraka, Kisumu, and Kilifi, its closure disrupts supply chains for builders amid booming infrastructure but faltering local industry.
This is a red flag for construction and steel sectors, urging policy tweaks on costs and regulations to stem further job losses in an economy eyeing growth via roads and housing.
With facilities like Omega Business Park now idling, ripple effects hit suppliers, real estate, and families, highlighting the need for resilient manufacturing amid global trade shifts.
Roofings Kenya Limited is an industrial company and a subsidiary of the Roofings Group, which operates in the manufacture of steel and plastic construction materials across East and Central Africa. The company was founded in 1994 by Dr. Sikander Lalani.
The company specializes in manufacturing and supplying high-quality construction materials. Its headquarters are located at Omega Business Park, Godown No. 3, Baba Dogo, Ruaraka Road, Nairobi, Kenya. Roofings Kenya has also expanded its presence with a warehouse outlet in Kisumu and a manufacturing plant in Kilifi County.