Anjarwalla & Khanna counts among its expansive client portfolio a broad range of household names, representing them in some of the most complex, high-value disputes in the region. Alongside the traditional spectrum of commercial litigation, the practice is also well-resourced to assist with arbitration, white-collar defence, investigations, and compliance matters. As head of the regional practice based in Nairobi, Aisha Abdallah demonstrates her impressive acumen in sensitive bribery and corruption-related defence, while Faith Macharia is lauded for her track record in employment disputes. International litigation and arbitration expert Luisa Cetina excels as joint head of the forensics and investigations division, and Abbas Esmail specialises in constitutional and human rights litigation.
Dispute resolution in Kenya
Anjarwalla & Khanna
Practice head(s):
Aisha Abdallah
Other key lawyers:
Faith Macharia; Luisa Cetina; Abbas Esmail; Zillah Moka
Testimonials
‘The ALN team has remained outstanding in the changing dispute management landscape. The team stretches into cross-border disputes as seamlessly as it handles domestic matters. Agility, experience, efficiency and skills make them stand out.’
‘Faith Macharia stands out for her courtroom presence and her impeccable advisory on complex cross-border disputes.’
‘Strong team with a keen eye for strategy. Good courtroom instincts and great technical skills.’
Key clients
Vodafone Group
Vodafone International Holdings BV
Vodafone Kenya
Mpesa Holding Company
Netflix International
Google Kenya
SBM Africa Holdings
Actis
Siemens
Catalyst Principal Partners
Amiran
Base Titanium
Nokia Corporation
Lufthansa
Boston Athletic Association
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI)
Mitsui &Co
Work highlights
- Acted for Vodafone Group and related entities in connection with a public interest suit filed at the High Court Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division, Nairobi, by shareholders and users of the Mpesa mobile money platform jointly developed by Safaricom.
- Acted for KAM, a Kenyan business association with over 1,000 members, in connection with a tax dispute against the Attorney General, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Assembly, challenging the constitutionality of minimum tax provisions at 1% of the gross revenue of a business.
- Acted for Netflix in connection with the alleged copyright infringement of Kenya’s first TV series on Netflix, Country Queen.
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews
The dispute resolution practice at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is routinely retained in complex litigation and arbitration by an array of corporate clients from the banking, insurance, energy, construction, retail, and public sectors. Distinct specialisations in competition, constitutional and administrative, tax, and regulated industry law form core pillars of work for the team. Banking, insurance, and IP expert Michi Kirimi now heads the team, supported by the tax and real estate-focused Kiragu Kimani
and commercial and employment specialist Ezra Makori.
Practice head(s):
Michi Kirimi
Other key lawyers:
Kiragu Kimani; Ezra Makori; Wilson Mwihuri; Queenton Ochieng’; Lawson Ondieki
Testimonials
‘Best service quality.’
‘The team is hard-working and delivers an excellent service.’
‘Excellent service delivery to clients. They give great client care through the provision of swift updates on the progress of matters handled and meet strict client and court deadlines.’
‘They have excellent judgement, analytical skills and are able to spot points of weaknesses in the client’s as well as opponents’ case and address the same. In addition, they are creative and able to provide solutions that are practical and out of the box; good research and writing skills.’
‘Great interpersonal skills and very patient with clients.’
Key clients
Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited
Vivo Energy Kenya Limited
The Heritage Insurance Company Limited
Powerchina International Group Limited
Stecol Corporation
Majid Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Limited
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation
British Army Training Unit Kenya
Parklane Construction Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a construction engineering company in a suit alleging damages of KSh450m alleged to have been suffered as a result of their quarrying activities.
- Acted for the British Army Training Unit in Kenya in defending a constitutional petition instituted before the Environment & Land Court by over 1,500 claimants alleging that a fire that started as a result of a military training exercise had affected the claimants and violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
- Acted for a prominent hypermarket chain in the country in an appeal to the High Court from the judgment of the Competition Tribunal upholding the decision of the Competition Authority which had imposed certain sanctions on the client.
Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates
Excelling in the representation of several government entities in recent landmark cases, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates is equally proficient in litigation arising out of sectors as diverse as financial services, energy, consumer goods, food, and retail. Regulatory and administrative law, competition law, and international arbitration sit well within the team’s comfort zone. Kamau Karori stands at the head of the team and is particularly sought after for his experience in commercial arbitration. Martin Munyu is well-versed in construction and insurance disputes, while Milly Jalega excels in election disputes. Diana Ogula and Hiram Nyaburi are other strong litigators in the team.
Practice head(s):
Kamau Karori
Other key lawyers:
Martin Munyu; Milly Jalega; Diana Ogula; Hiram Nyaburi
Testimonials
‘The firm is extremely competent in the performance of the duties. They provide sound legal options and undertake their research before providing any proposals on the best viable options.’
‘The firm has connections with DLA Piper and I feel this has given them an edge over the others in terms of expertise.’
‘Diana Ogula will go to war for a client. Extremely good litigator.’
‘Hiram Nyaburi is very knowledgeable and a strategic litigant. Don’t let his quiet demeanour fool you.’
‘Kamau Karori has a brilliant mind and is an exceptional litigator. He is very good with client relations, his seniority notwithstanding.’
‘What makes them stand out is that they always exude professionalism, customer-centricity and have always delivered on high profile cases. They always advise us to pursue alternative dispute resolution mechanisms before going to court.’
‘I always enjoy working with individual team members as they always find time to listen to our issues and give sound legal advice. Their friendly nature makes communication easy and enjoyable.’
‘Diana Ogula is a star and is dependable. She stands out and her attention to detail is one to admire.’
Key clients
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
Absa Bank Kenya PLC (Formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited)
East Africa Breweries Limited
Kenya Breweries Limited & UDV Kenya Limited
Kenya Pipeline Company
Equity Bank Limited
Telkom Kenya Limited
Kenya Airports Authority
Government of Kenya-Office of the Attorney General
Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa (Shelter Afrique)
Cooperative Bank of Kenya Limited
Urysia Limited
Work highlights
- Acted as the lead counsel for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in defending the IEBC in eight presidential election petitions filed before the Supreme Court of Kenya by various parties following the 9 August 2022 General Elections which sought to nullify the election results.
- Represented Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) as lead counsel in seeking to recover debts owed to it for products supplied to various oil marketing companies under various transport and storage agreements, the total value of which claims amount to approximately $6.9m.
- Acted for Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited in an appeal in the High Court against the decision of the Tax Appeals Tribunal which upheld KRA’s assessment on excise duty.
Kaplan & Stratton Advocates
Boasting an impressive client portfolio drawn from key industry sectors including commodities, construction, energy, insurance, financial services, and international trade, Kaplan & Stratton Advocates enjoys a secure position in the dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration space. The practice is routinely engaged in commercial disputes, class actions, and shareholder and company disputes. Fred Ojiambo, who often appears in high-profile criminal and civil suits, leads, and the team is reinforced by competition law specialist Peter Gachuhi, tax expert Nazima Malik, trade and industrial relations disputes expert Esther Kinyenje, and employment law authority Cosima Wetende. James Muthui and Peter Njeru support on intellectual property and procurement projects, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Fred Ojiambo
Other key lawyers:
Peter Gachuhi; Esther Kinyenje; Cosima Wetende; James Muthui; Peter Njeru; Nazima Malik
Testimonials
‘The team is quite diverse and due to this they are able to appreciate more issues and bring to the table practical solutions to business problems. The team works together and are thus able to provide a quick turnaround on requests and there is always someone available to discuss issues with.’
‘Their level of integrity and honesty.’
‘The team has diverse experience and knowledge on different legal topics that speaks to how they represent you in litigation. They keep themselves abreast with trends that impact commercial organisations.’
‘The knowledge of law and experience. Also, the time they take to understand a matter that they may not be too familiar with before they represent us fully in litigation matters.’
Key clients
KASNEB
Instalaciones Inabensa S.A
Absa Bank Limited (formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited)
Total Energies Limited (formerly Total Kenya)
Rift Valley Highway Limited
Rubis Energy Kenya
Unilever Kenya Limited
AON Minet Kenya Limited
Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Limited
East Africa Breweries Limited
Safaricom PLC
TNT Express Worldwide Kenya Ltd
CMA CGM Kenya Limited
Samsung Kenya
Work highlights
- Acted for East African Development Bank (EADB) in multiple suits, the seminal of which arises from a facility agreement entered into between Dari Limited and EADB and guaranteed by the directors of Dari individually and collectively.
- Acted for Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Limited in opposing an appeal filed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) against a decision issued by the Tax Appeals Tribunal confirming that the marketing services provided by Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Limited to Coca-Cola Export in the United States were exported services and therefore no value added tax (VAT) was chargeable.
Oraro & Company Advocates
Sitting comfortably at the apex of the dispute resolution space, Oraro & Company Advocates‘ large team of dedicated litigators service a full spectrum of clients in sectors including banking and financial services, manufacturing, construction, and energy. Construction disputes, insolvency and restructuring suits, tax disputes, and international arbitration are key pillars of work for the firm. Founding partner George Oraro is a seasoned expert in headline and landmark cases, and leads alongside Chacha Odera, who is well-established in the banking sphere. John Mbaluto is highly sought after in employment disputes, and Noella Lubano excels in fraud and asset tracing matters. Lilian Renee Omondi supports on tax litigation.
Practice head(s):
George Oraro; Chacha Odera
Other key lawyers:
John Mbaluto; Noella Lubano; Lilian Renee Omondi; Anne Kadima
Testimonials
‘Oraro & Company Advocates go above and beyond for their clients. They are always available to provide prompt, accurate and commercially useful legal advice. They are also very honest about the probability of success of suits and have a very high success rate in litigation practice in Kenya.’
‘The team is very gender diverse and technologically capable. The majority of our meetings are done online.’
‘John Mbaluto has been invaluable. He has greatly assisted me in the management of litigation cases. His reports are always timely and accurate. They provide both practical and meaningful legal advice with regard to strategy for our cases.’
Key clients
National Bank of Kenya
Maersk Kenya Limited
Kenya Power & Lighting Company Limited
Toyota Kenya Limited
Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation
The Honourable Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya
Kenya Ports Authority
Telkom Kenya Ltd
Kapiti Plains Estate Limited
KCB Bank Ltd
Meta Platforms, Inc.
SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited
Jubilee Insurance Company of Kenya Limited
CIC Insurance Group Limited
Kenya National Union of Teachers
Uber B.V and Uber Kenya Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Carbacid Investments PLC (Carbacid) and Aksaya Investments LLP (Aksaya) in a takeover transaction which has been suspended and referred to the Capital Markets Tribunal (the Tribunal) as well as the Commercial Division of the High Court (the High Court).
- Acted for Toyota Kenya Limited in a class-action product liability claim with respect to Toyota’s HINO FC 300 and HINO FC 500 motor vehicles.
- Acted for Cerba HealthCare SAS (France), Lancet Service Company (PTY) Limited (South Africa) and Cerba Lancet Africa (South Africa) in a suit filed by the former Lancet CEO claiming shareholder and employment benefits.
Bowmans
Bowmans‘ experienced dispute resolution practice counts among its clients consulting firms and actors within the real estate, consumer goods, tech, and commodities industries, and advises on a variety of governance and compliance matters, IP and tax litigation, insolvency disputes, and international arbitration. The team benefits from the leadership of Terry Mwango, whose specialisms include IP, media, and competition law. Cecil Kuyo is a key asset for alternative dispute resolution, and George Ndung’u supports across the range of contentious work.
Practice head(s):
Terry Mwango
Other key lawyers:
Cecil Kuyo; Effie Omondi; Alfred Deya; George Ndung’u; Agnes Akal
Key clients
Pathologists Lancet Kenya
Base Titanium Limited
And Beyond Kenya Limited
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
I&M Bank Kenya PLC
KEDA Ceramics Limited (formerly Twyford Ceramics Limited)
Shihua Industry Alliance Co., Limited
Smith Lacien LLP
J.S Staedtler, GMBH & CO., KG
Work highlights
- Acted for Pathologists Lancet Kenya Limited (PLK) and Lancet Services Company Kenya Limited (LSCK) in a matter filed in the Commercial & Admiralty Division of the High Court relating to a shareholder dispute.
- Acted for Twyford Ceramics Limited in a land dispute over determination of the rightful owner of land to be purchased.
- Represented ABKL in an appeal filed in the High Court against the decision of the Tax Appeals Tribunal in relation to corporate income tax, value added tax and withholding tax.
Munyao Muthama & Kashindi
Munyao Muthama & Kashindi continues to attract big domestic banks, energy, agriculture, food, and aviation regulators, and clients from different sectors requiring assistance with tax, restructuring, and insolvency litigation. Leadership is split between George Kashindi, who is well-versed in tax, regulatory, and insolvency litigation, Paul Munyao, who specialises in environmental law, and James Tugee, who has also been instrumental in constitutional and administrative lawsuits. Irene Kashindi is recommended for her procurement law expertise. Nancy Gitari, who was promoted to partner in July 2023, assists with real estate and banking matters.
Practice head(s):
George Kashindi; Paul Munyao; James Tugee
Other key lawyers:
Irene Kashindi; Nancy Gitari
Testimonials
‘An honest, professional team. Interacts and explains the key issues to clients effectively and comes up with solutions.’
‘Paul Munyao is an exceptional lawyer who is readily accessible, has vast knowledge and has the ability to come up with solutions.’
‘Creative solutions to challenging legal questions. The firm is an authority in employment law and taxation.’
Key clients
Kenya Tea Development Agency
Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND)
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Export Processing Zones Authority
Kenya Ports Authority
Agriculture and Food Authority
Chai Trading Company Limited
Export Trading Group
Mumias Sugar/ KCB Bank Kenya Limited
KCB Bank Kenya Limited/Mumias
Work highlights
- Represented a religious organisation in resisting a tax demand by the KRA of KSh2.3bn.
- Represented LAP FUND in a suit filed in the Environmental and Land Court by a residents’ association challenging a high value project to construct 2356 housing units to accommodate 10,000 dwellers.
- Acted for KCB Bank Kenya Limited in a number of insolvency matters in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
TripleOKlaw Advocates
Demonstrating sectoral expertise in energy, financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, and telecoms, TripleOKlaw Advocates‘s dispute resolution practice is well-versed in matters arising from procurement, IP, administrative and constitutional, and commercial and company law. Energy, environment, and natural resources specialist Elias Masika leads the team in conjunction with employment and procurement expert Marysheila Onyango-Oduor. James Ochieng’ Oduol is a heavyweight in constitutional appeals, and John Ohaga is also recommended for his arbitration work.
Practice head(s):
Elias Masika; Marysheila Onyango-Oduor
Other key lawyers:
James Ochieng’ Oduol; John Ohaga,
Key clients
Kenya Bankers Association
Safaricom PLC
Housing Finance Company of Kenya
Kenya Airways PLC
Integrated Payment System Limited
Masosa Construction Limited
SBM Bank (Kenya)
Indo Africa Finance Company Limited
Animix Limited
Edick Anyanga
Work highlights
- Acted for the estate of the former President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Hon. Daniel Arap Moi in successfully opposing a claim of more than $10m before the Supreme Court on account of damages awarded to the petitioner for illegal detention without trial to expropriate his interest in three companies.
- Represented the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the monetary authority of Kenya, before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in a suit regarding an EAT Treaty violation resulting in a loss of $6.91m, successfully proving that CBK was not an institution of the Community and could not be sued before the Court.
- Acted for Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) in a $7.4m suit where the claimant alleged that KBA had infringed copyright/intellectual property rights over the concept of inter-banking transactions by illegally operating PesaLink.
CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates
The dispute resolution offering at CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates is strongest in commercial, employment, maritime, and real estate litigation, representing a range of domestic players. Practice head Samir Inamdar is regularly retained by shipping companies, P&I Clubs, and other commercial enterprises on Kenyan law disputes, while George Muchiri is a top choice for arbitration. Grace Kinyanjui specialises in environmental law and debt recovery, Collette Akwana is well-versed in commercial, civil, and employment disputes, and Gibran Darr is strong in the land and construction arena.
Practice head(s):
Samir Inamdar
Other key lawyers:
George Muchiri; Grace Kinyanjui; Collette Akwana; Gibran Darr; Victor Mungai
Testimonials
‘The firm is very professional and knowledgeable in a wide range of legal issues, the partners are hands on.’
‘The team is highly industrious and dedicated. They are also proactive and have a very good turnaround time. They do deliver.’
‘Collette Akwana is very studious, apt and responsive. A good communicator and very innovative in thought and providing solutions.’
‘George Muchiri’s ability to keep the end game in mind and present a compelling argument that carries all stakeholders with him is invaluable.’
‘CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates has a great dispute resolution team in Kenya, with a focus on commercial litigation but with the ability to also assist with other disputes, e.g. media law.’
‘Samir Inamdar has been an excellent advocate who is considered, thoughtful and explains things carefully. He clearly has lots of experience and reassures clients.’
‘Victor Mungai assists Samir Inamdar and is extremely efficient in assisting with preparing legal arguments. They are an excellent team.’
‘CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates is a reputable firm with premium corporates as clients. The firm operates with a high degree of professionalism and ethics. Their knowledge of all legal statutes and their competency in various fields including ours in particular (construction) is not easily available with many other firms.’
Key clients
Medical Protection Society
Japan P & I Club
Sybrin Kenya Limited
Jubilee Allianz General Insurance (K) Limited
Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc
Weld-Con Limited
Oceanview Plaza Limited
Kensalt Limited
Safaricom Limited
Golden Sand Resort Apartments Owners’ Association
Ecobank Kenya Limited
Old Mutual Holdings Limited
Petro Oil Kenya Limited
Work highlights
G&A Advocates LLP
G&A Advocates LLP has carved out a niche in the public sector, where it predominantly represents state agencies in disputes related to administrative and constitutional law, including election petitions. The practice is led by Ken Melly, who is experienced in financial and competition litigation, and Moses Kipkogei, who specialises in human rights, constitutional, and construction disputes. Managing partner Eric Gumbo is frequently retained in litigation and arbitration matters in regulated industries.
Practice head(s):
Ken Melly; Moses Kipkogei
Other key lawyers:
Eric Gumbo; Delbert Ochola
Key clients
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Safaricom PLC
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
National Irrigation Authority
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
KCB Bank Limited
Lake Basin Development Authority
Export Processing Zones Authority
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Pharmacy and Poisons Board
Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
Ecobank Kenya Limited
National Bank of Kenya Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in nine Presidential Election Petitions challenging the conduct of Kenya’s August 2022 presidential election.
- Acted for the National Irrigation Authority in a suit in which Sogea-Satom S.A.S, a contractor, sought payment of amounts awarded by a Dispute Board under the FIDIC Contracts for civil works done on the construction of Link Canal III and improvement of existing Link Canals I and II and other related works at the Mwea Irrigation Development Project in Kirinyaga County.
- Represented the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) on a case challenging a determination of the Data Protection Commissioner.
MMAN Advocates
The litigation and ADR practice at MMAN Advocates has significant experience before all levels of the judicial and arbitral systems, advising clients both domestically and abroad in commercial and corporate, employment, insolvency, environment, land, and tax disputes. Jomo Nyaribo leads the team, with banking, construction, employment, environmental, and intellectual property litigation standing out from his otherwise broad experience.
Practice head(s):
Jomo Nyaribo
Other key lawyers:
Angela Cherono; Vincent Oloo
Testimonials
‘It’s the team mix for me, they bring insights and guide us, the clients.’
‘Jomo Nyaribo is hands on and walks with the client through all processes of litigation.’
Key clients
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
PinoPine, Produtos Químicos, S.A.
Prism Construction Company Limited
Qiagen SA (PTY) Limited
Scatec Solar Netherlands B.V.
Shelter Afrique
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Staff Retirement & Group Life Assurance Scheme
Work highlights
- Defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in an election petition seeking to challenge the election results of a Member of National Assembly elective position.
- Represented Prism Construction Company Limited in five separate international arbitrations under UNCITRAL Rules before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
- Represented Rubis Energy in contentious proceedings filed by its former Group Chief Executive Officer claiming unlawful termination of employment and breach of contract.
MMC ASAFO
MMC ASAFO‘s client base is comprised of public institutions and state corporations seeking assistance with commercial disputes in banking and finance, telecoms, real estate, government regulation, and procurement. Central figures in the team include Peter Murage, whose expertise spans commercial, labour, and public procurement law, Daniel Musyoka, who is well-regarded in domestic and international arbitration, and Billy Kongere, whose litigation and arbitration experience guides the Mombasa dispute resolution offering.
Practice head(s):
Peter Munge; Daniel Musyoka; Billy Kongere
Other key lawyers:
Kenneth Wilson; Karen Muthee; Solomon Opole
Key clients
Kwale International Sugar Company Limited
Kenya Ports Authority
Britam General Insurance Company (K) Limited
KCB Bank Kenya Limited
Saracen Media Limited
Carii Motors Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a mixed-use real estate developer against a construction company in an arbitration before the ICC International Court of Arbitration in a dispute worth KSh6.8m.
- Acted for KCB Bank Limited and KCB Bank Group in an employment dispute resulting in the dismissal of the claim, the suit establishing who an employee’s employer is upon transfer, since the Employment Act does not define what employment transfer entails.
- Acted for Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL) in a suit seeking compensation following the Government of Kenya’s failure to protect and promote investment by international investors and for breaching the Government’s obligation to provide a conducive environment for international investments.