Next Generation Partners

Firms in the Spotlight Banking, finance and capital markets

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

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Kaplan & Stratton is one of the largest law firms in East Africa, offering a comprehensive range of legal services for domestic and international clients, with a focus on the financial and commercial sectors.

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Banking, finance and capital markets in Kenya

Anjarwalla & Khanna

Anjarwalla & Khanna, member of the Africa Legal Network, is a leading firm offering a full spectrum of services in this space. International and high-profile lenders, energy and infrastructure clients benefit from the team’s specialist knowledge in a variety of sectors. The firm particularly excels in advice relating to syndicated debt finance, acquisition, project and aviation finance, fintech, capital markets, debt restructuring and insolvency. Practice head Sonal Tejpar has a range of capabilities and is especially known for her insolvency work. Akash Devani regularly acts on large commercial lending transactions. Mona Doshi  is highly praised and is a specialist in Islamic finance. Shellomith Irungu  and James Njenga Mungai are other key lawyers.

Practice head(s):

Sonal Tejpar


Other key lawyers:

Akash Devani; Mona Doshi; Shellomith Iringu; James Njenga Mungai


Key clients

Flower Investment Capital Fund S.A. and New Dawn Panama Holdings Inc and Umang/Bharat Patel


Proparco


GRIT Services Limited


IFC


Work highlights


  • Acting for International Finance Corporation (IFC) in connection with a USD $200 million financing for various Airtel subsidiaries by the IFC including Airtel Networks Kenya.
  • Acting for a consortium of three sets of investors in connection with the USD $19.3 million acquisition of the flower farm assets of Oserian Development Company (ODCL), one of Kenya’s largest exporters of fresh cut flowers exporting to more than 60 countries.
  • Acting for Proparco, the private sector financing arm of Agence Française de Développement, in connection with a term loan facility of USD $18.7 million to Kenya Nut Company, one of the leading macadamia nut processors in East Africa.

Bowmans

The team at Bowmans is known for its involvement in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions particularly across the banking, financial services, telecoms and food and beverages industries. Recent work has involved advising banks, lenders and bond issuers on bank securities, sovereign bonds, refinancing and syndicated loans. The firm is also well-versed in fintech-related legal support. Cornelius Kigera leads the team, specialising in corporate finance. Dominic Indokhomi is noted for his vast experience in banking and finance and fintech work. Managing partner, Paras Shah specialises in private equity, capital markets and financing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Cornelius Kigera 


Other key lawyers:

Dominic Indokhomi; Paras Shah; Candice Kola


Testimonials

‘I have a great impression of the team. They have continuously exhibited sound judgement on their execution of a deal, finding creative and pragmatic solutions.’

‘Cornelius Kigera and John Kihia are my go-to lawyers as they always work to the highest standard, deliver on time despite the size of a transaction. Cornelius has a thorough understanding of our business, its requirements, and its challenges, we are confident whenever we work with him. John has been very present and supportive whenever he is called upon.’

‘They are well versed in the areas of banking law and finance and are a great support to our bank with security perfection and KYC due diligence especially in jurisdictions outside of Kenya.’

‘Cornelius Kigera is accessible and excellent in supporting our customers and the Bank.’

‘The team is knowledgeable in both the law and current matters especially where it overlaps into different spheres and sectors of the law, for example from commercial, IT and technology to contracts and public procurement.’

‘The partners that we have interacted with are readily available, knowledgeable and willing to engage in the work. Additionally, the representation across some countries in Africa has made interaction seamless and easier, especially on cross-border associated lending.’

Key clients

Shandong Hi-Speed Group|Hass Infrastructure and GVR Infrastructure


Standard Bank of South Africa


Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


KCB Bank Kenya Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


I&M Bank Kenya Limited


The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB)


Citi Group and JP Morgan


East African Breweries PLC


Moody’s Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Standard Bank of South Africa and Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited, the lenders, on the financing of a project.
  • Acted as counsel to the lender, KCB Bank Limited, which was advancing an Open Tender System facility to the borrower, which has a holding company in both Mauritius and Abu Dhabi.
  • Advised the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank in connection with the USD $4.2 million secured term facility to Sunspot Energy Kenya Limited (operating as Spark Possibilities) which was supported by the USD $75 million TDB SME Off-Grid facility and USD $415 million World Bank Regional Infrastructure Finance facility (RIFF).

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is a leading corporate finance transaction adviser to large local and international corporations. Recent work has involved advising lenders and borrowers in the financial services, logistics, energy and hospitality sectors on sovereign bonds, trade finance facilities, restructuring and syndicated lending. The team is headed up by Richard Omwela. Andrew Mugambi is a key lawyer, specialising in project finance, private equity and capital markets. Sigee Koech is highly praised in the market and has significant experience of representing lenders and borrowers on financing transactions and secured and unsecured financing.

Practice head(s):

Richard Omwela


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Mugambi; Sigee Koech


Key clients

Government of Kenya


Standard Chartered Bank (Dubai Branch)


Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited


ING Bank N.V Amsterdam Lancy/Geneva Branch


Absa Bank Kenya PLC


KCB Bank Kenya Limited


I & M Bank Limited


SBM Bank Kenya Limited


Platcorp Holdings Limited


Guarantco Limited


Taylor Winch (Coffee) Limited


Citibank N.A. Kenya Branch


Coöperatieve Rabobank


Work highlights


  • Acted as local law counsel to Government of Kenya acting through the National Treasury in relation to issuance of a sovereign bond worth US$1 billion.
  • Acted for The Standard Bank of South Africa and Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited (“Standard Bank Group”), Citibank N.A. Kenya Branch, CDC Group PLC and the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) on one of the first syndicated sustainable financing transactions in Kenya, valued at KES 8,240,385,000, which involved a takeover and refinancing of the existing facilities to the parent company of the borrower, Greenlight Planet Inc.
  • Advised the lenders in respect of facilities issued to Safaricom PLC by conducting due diligence and reviewing transaction documents from a Kenyan law perspective.

ENSafrica

ENSafrica has a growing practice and is well-known for advising on cross-border banking and financing transactions. The firm regularly advises clients on project and property financing, asset-backed securities, capital markets and term loan facilities. The firm is also involved in fintech and digital banking advisory work. The team is led by Binti Shah, a leading lawyer in this space specialising in structured and aviation finance and derivatives. Nkatha Omondi is active in high-profile banking matters especially relating to projects and energy.

Practice head(s):

Binti Shah


Other key lawyers:

Nkatha Omondi


Testimonials

‘The team led by Ms. Binti Shah knows the local and global markets practice in project finance very well. Ms. Binti Shah is definitely a deal maker and knows about her client’s priorities. We can totally rely on Binti and her team.’

‘Ms. Binti Shah is one of the most proactive lawyers I have ever worked with in the region. Her sense of business, her knowledge and experiences in various large banking and finance deals makes her a leading lawyer in the industry.’ 

Key clients

IFC


Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


SBG Securities Limited


Nedbank Limited


Absa


AFD


Proparco


CDC


DEG


FMO


Norfund


Barak Fund SPC Limited


EDFI Management Company SA


I&M


Giro Limited


Ethos


Societe Generale


Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Victoria Commercial Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised EDFI Management Company SA in relation to a secured lending to REDAVIA Global Asset SARL to fund certain eligible solar assets.
  • Advised Proparco on a secured loan to Africa Chemist and Beauty Care INC to finance its expansion of pharmacies throughout Africa, thus improving access to medicines across the African continent.
  • Advised Nedbank on a secured loan to Cold Solutions Kenya SEZ Limited to finance the development of a cold storage facility, targeted to achieve Gold LEED status, and bring world class storage capacity to the market.

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates, member of DLA Piper Africa, is a popular choice for Kenyan commercial banks and global multilateral and development finance institutions in landmark transactions. The team is well-versed in banking and financing matters concerning securities, receiverships and debt restructuring.  Anne Kinyanjui is highly regarded in the market with expertise in loan financing and syndicated finance transactions. James Kamau specialises in finance and private equity transactions. Norah Mutuku is another key lawyer with extensive experience in bank securities and transactions concerning international lenders.

Practice head(s):

Anne Kinyanjui


Other key lawyers:

Norah Mutuku; James Kamau; Kamami Christine Michira; Beatrice Nyabira; David Lekerai; Deborah Sese


Testimonials

‘Professional and short turnaround time.’

‘Good quality of services and knowledge of the banking sector.’

‘IKM offers practical as opposed to just technical legal solutions to problems. They are quite hands on and understand and appreciate the markets in which the bank as a client operates. I would definitely describe IKM as a reliable partner to the bank.’

‘Norah Mutuku and Anne Kinyanjui are noteworthy.’

‘The firm is made up of professionals who have diverse specialisations, and this is what makes IKM Advocates attractive to clients. This is a one-stop shop.’

‘They provide legal solutions to suit the client’s needs in a timely manner. The standout members of the team I worked with were David Lekerai and Deborah Sese. The two ensured we completed the project within the prescribed timelines. David took time to answer all my queries.’

Key clients

Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank trading as Trade and Development Bank (TDB)


U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)


CDC Group Plc


Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


KCB Bank Kenya Limited


Gulf African Bank Limited


Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


Absa Bank Kenya PLC


Vital Capital Fund LP


Africa Conservation and Communities Tourism Fund LP


Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited


Cellulant Corporation


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Malthe Winje Infrapower AS


Standard Bank Group


Ropat Trust Company Limited


African Development Bank


Atlas Tower Kenya Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising African Development Bank and United States International Development Finance Corporation on the financing and project procurement for the development of a 50MW wind power project in Kiambu County, Kenya, worth US$92,000,000.
  • Acting for CDC Group Plc and Proparco in connection with a loan facility to Chania Green Generation Limited to finance a 50MW Chania Wind Power Project.
  • Advised Ropat Trust Company Limited, the note trustee, and secured parties on the transfer of the partnership interests in Acorn Project (Two) LLP (Acorn) to the Acorn Student Development and Construction Real Estate Investment Trust (Acorn D-REIT).

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP has recently advised on the financing of mergers in a broad range of industries including healthcare, financial services, insurance, banking and energy. Other work includes advising borrowers and lenders on securitisations and asset financing transactions. Sammy Ndolo leads the team and has significant corporate law and finance experience which includes senior debt lending, capital markets and trade and commodity finance. Senior associate Brian Muchiri is another key lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Sammy Ndolo


Other key lawyers:

Brian Muchiri


Testimonials

‘The firm has a very strong banking and finance practice.’

‘Sammy Ndolo is highly responsive.’

Key clients

SunFunder


Bboxx Capital Kenya


CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates advises large local and international commercial banks on loans facilities to borrowers looking to expand and grow their offering in the Kenyan market. The team is also able to advise payment service providers on regulatory compliance and licensing matters. Julius Wako is the main contact at the firm and Nishit Maru also leads on banking and finance transactions. Stella Situma is another key lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Julius Wako


Other key lawyers:

Nishit Maru; Stella Situma


Key clients

Stanbic Bank Kenya


Standard Chartered Bank


I&M Bank Kenya


ABSA Bank


NCBA Bank


Victoria Commercial Bank


Bank of Baroda


Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates is particularly known for financing transactions relating to aircraft leasing. The team is instructed by international DFIs and Kenyan banks on matters with cross-border elements for assistance with the restructuring of loan facilities, project financing, syndicate financing, bonds and securities. Practice head Ruth Kirunga is highly regarded in the market and regularly advises on complex securities particularly in the aviation and project finance space. Peter Hime specialises in aircraft-related leasing and financing. Senior associate Eva Biegon is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Kirunga


Other key lawyers:

Peter Hime; Sam Wainaina; Eva Biegon


Testimonials

‘I have not worked with Kenyan counsel previously. The team at this firm is very proactive and professional. They also have a deep knowledge of English law which allows them to provide detailed input on more nuanced items without much research being needed.’

‘Ruth Kirunga offers detailed guidance on how to deal with Kenyan law issues from an English law perspective. Eva Biegon is a proactive lawyer and on the ball.’

Key clients

IFC


Stanbic Bank Kenya


Export Import Bank of China


African Export-Import Bank


Agence Francaise de Development


Nordic Aviation Capital A/S


GECAS


Nedbank Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


European Investment Bank


SFC Finance Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Allen & Overy LLP, English counsel for African Frontier Capital (Mauritius) LLC on the private placement of loan notes, backed by receivables generated from the repayment of loans for the acquisition of solar products by citizens in Kenya and other jurisdictions.
  • Assisted with the drafting, negotiation, execution and perfection of security documents as well as advising Allen & Overy LLP, the English counsel for the lender of an independent global wireless infrastructure company, on the most cost-effective form of security which ensures the client is protected.
  • Advised Nedbank on the preparation, negotiation, execution and perfection of securities over its borrower’s, a high-end hotel operator’s, various assets including property.

MMAN Advocates

MMAN Advocates, member of Eversheds Sutherland Africa Alliance, is well-versed in assisting financing and investment companies with cross-border matters. The team has experience of legal advisory work relating to aviation finance. Recent work has involved acquisition financing, transfer of leases and structuring securities and loan facilities. Judy Kabubu leads the team. Suzanne Muthaura is a key lawyer, especially in asset finance and equipment leasing in the aviation sector. Waringa Njonjo advises on corporate financing and syndications. Nyawira Kirubi has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Judy Kabubu


Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Muthaura; Waringa Njonjo


Testimonials

‘Open communication channels and readiness to give feedback.’

‘Always willing to go the extra mile.’

Key clients

TERASTEENUS OU


Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Limited (“Finnfund”)


Textron Financial Corporation


Apple Bank for Savings


Abelo (previously Elix Aviation Capital)


LeapFrog Investments


Work highlights


  • Advised TERASTEENUS OU in the setting up of a non-deposit taking microfinance institution in Kenya which involved liaising with the Central Bank of Kenya, Microfinance Associations of Kenya and the Treasury, to allow for a letter of no objection to the objects of the proposed company.
  • Acting as the Kenyan legal advisers to the Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Limited (Finnfund) in a cross-border transaction which involved providing a legal opinion, amending facility and loan agreements, preparing a further debenture, a Kenyan law guarantee, a charge over shares and registering the securities at the Companies and Collateral Registries.

MMC ASAFO

The team at MMC ASAFO is well-regarded for its experience across transactional and regulatory banking, financing and fintech matters. Co-headed by managing partner, Esther Njiru-Omulele, who offers significant experience in real estate and finance transactions, and Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who is well-versed in a range of banking and finance transactions including debt restructuring, corporate and syndicated finance, the practice has a client roster that features some of the largest commercial banks in the country including NCBA Bank Kenya PLC.

Practice head(s):

Esther Njiru Omulele; Isaiah Mungai Kamau


Key clients

KCB Bank Kenya Limited


Absa Bank Kenya PLC


Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited


The Co-operative Bank Kenya Limited


Gulf African Bank Limited


HFC Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


National Bank of Kenya


DIB Bank Kenya Limited


Family Bank Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised KCB Bank Kenya Limited, a leading commercial bank in the region in offering banking facilities in the sum of USD.44,411,281.00 to a renowned company that deals in importing, exporting, producing and cultivating agricultural products.
  • Advised KCB Bank Kenya Limited in its creation and perfection of securities over the assets of a large dry grain handling and processing operation in the sum of USD.128,451,968.00.
  • Advised Absa Bank Kenya PLC in the creation and perfection of a Multi-Option Facility over the assets of a large manufacturer of Maize and Wheat Flour products in Kenya in the sum of USD.10,000,000.00.

Oraro & Company Advocates

Oraro & Company Advocates has experience of advising financial institutions and regulatory agencies on a range of banking and finance matters including the creation of securities, establishment of REITs, syndicated loans and trade and Islamic finance. The firm also advises on insolvency and compliance matters. Pamella Ager leads the team and has experience of complex banking and finance matters. James Kituku is another key lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Pamella Ager


Other key lawyers:

James Kitiku


Testimonials

‘Professional team.’

‘Ms. Pamela Ager is very professional and concerned about client satisfaction.’