D.T. Dobie & Company (Kenya) Limited has been placed under liquidation following a decision by the High Court, with the official receiver now taking charge of the once-prominent motor vehicle dealership.

The move comes after a special resolution passed by the company on June 3, 2025, allowing for the winding up of its operations under the Insolvency Act.

In a notice dated August 15, Mark Gakuru confirmed that he had been appointed as the official receiver and liquidator of D.T. Dobie.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Insolvency Act, take notice that the official receiver was appointed as liquidator of the property of D.T. Dobie & Company (Kenya) Limited following a special resolution dated 3rd day of June, 2025,” the notice stated.

All individuals or institutions owed money by the company have been advised to file their claims by September 15, 2025.

The court requires that creditors submit their claims using the Proof of Debts (Form Number 5), which can be accessed through the government’s eCitizen platform. Those who fail to lodge their claims risk missing out on any potential payout from the liquidation process.

D.T. Dobie, a company that has operated in Kenya for over 50 years, earned a strong reputation in the local automobile industry, distributing a range of internationally known vehicle brands.

However, the court’s decision to liquidate the company confirms that it has become insolvent, meaning it can no longer meet its financial obligations of Sh100,000 or more.

The liquidation process involves the appointed liquidator taking full control of the company’s affairs.

This includes identifying and selling off assets, settling claims by creditors, and closing the company’s operations. From the time a liquidator takes charge, company directors lose all authority over its business.

The role of the liquidator, in this case the official receiver, also includes evaluating the company’s total debt, managing the process of repayment to creditors, and ensuring that all legal procedures are followed.

The amount each creditor recovers will depend on the balance between the company’s assets and liabilities — meaning some creditors could lose part or all of their claims if the available funds fall short.

The law allows liquidation to be initiated either voluntarily through a company’s resolution or through a court process.

In D.T. Dobie’s case, the resolution paved the way for court involvement and eventual appointment of a government receiver to handle the company’s closure.