Legal proceedings underway
The demand, dated Feb. 6 and filed as Insolvency Cause No. E017 of 2026 in the Commercial and Tax Division, invokes Section 384(1) of Kenya’s Insolvency Act, 2015. Under the law, non-compliance within the statutory period serves as evidence that a company cannot meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
Wananchi must remit payment directly to CP Cables or through its legal representatives, Madhani Advocates LLP, the filing states. The cable supplier could petition for liquidation orders if the debt remains unpaid after the deadline.
Regional implications for parent company
Operating under the Zuku brand, Wananchi ranks among Kenya’s top providers of pay television, broadband and digital services. The company is a subsidiary of Wananchi Group Holdings, which is majority-owned by Axian Telecom, a Mauritius-headquartered pan-African telecommunications group with operations across East and Southern Africa.
Industry analysts say any liquidation action could affect not only Wananchi’s operations but also Axian Telecom’s broader regional footprint at a time when the sector faces mounting pressure from rising costs and intense competition.
Sector under strain
The insolvency demand comes amid growing scrutiny of corporate debt in Kenya’s telecom and media sector. Companies across the industry have struggled with escalating operational expenses while fighting for market share in an increasingly crowded field.
Wananchi has not publicly commented on the statutory demand. The company has until Feb. 27 to respond to the claim or face potential court-ordered liquidation.
Neither Wananchi Group nor CP Cables responded to our request for comment.
