Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Firms in the Spotlight Real estate and construction

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates logo

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.

View Profile...

Real estate and construction in Kenya

Anjarwalla & Khanna

Pace setters in the real estate and construction market, Anjarwalla & Khanna enjoys excellent credentials in both residential and commercial projects. The broad practice encompasses advice on acquisitions, construction and development, leasing, funding, and regulatory and environmental approvals. Three dedicated partners head the team: Amyn Mussa, who handles the broad spectrum of commercial projects, Mona Doshi, who specialises in luxury homes and HNWI real estate investors, and Adnan Khan, who is experienced in complex and high-value transactions. Akash Devani is adept in tax-efficient structures, and Agnes Nicole Gichuhi, who was promoted to partner in December 2022, is an asset to residential, commercial and industrial developers. Vivian Kerage supports on property conveyancing.

Practice head(s):

Amyn Mussa; Mona Doshi; Adnan Khan


Other key lawyers:

Akash Devani; Agnes Nicole Gichuhi; Vivian Kerage


Testimonials

‘ALN is reliable and does the work it says it will do, is knowledgeable, has the client’s best interests at heart and the team is efficient.’

‘I have found Adnan Khan to be very knowledgeable, proactive, efficient, dependable, a prompt communicator, and straightforward.’

‘Communications are informative, with regular updates on current affairs from a legal perspective via email. They provide relevant contact details of persons within the firm. They also maintain a personal touch by sending good wishes on calendar holidays.’

Key clients

EH Venture Capital Rwanda


Orbit Chemicals Industries and Orbit Products Africa


AVIC International Real Estate Kenya


Paramount Chief Estate (Edenville)


Mi Vida Thika Road Limited


Westlands Triangle Properties


Riverbank Apartments – Two Rivers


Richard Grenville Russell Evans


Tatu City


Full Circle Equities


Appliance Zone


Work highlights


  • Acted for Actis, a private equity investor in emerging markets with approximately $15.3bn managed to date, in connection with the acquisition of a 15-acre parcel of land through its investee company, Kasarani Investment Holdings, for the development of an integrated mixed-use development comprising an office park, residential apartments and other recreational facilities.
  • Acted for Full Circle Equities, part of Full Circle Africa, an Africa-focused proprietary investment firm, in connection with the 100% acquisition of Woodside Properties and Nook Properties, a bespoke residential development serving the British Army in Kenya.
  • Acted for Mi Vida Thika Road, a newly established residential home developer, in connection with the development of a proposed new $120m residential project, comprising of approximately 624 middle class apartments.

Bowmans

Dividing its attention between private city master plan developments, construction law matters, conservation projects and commercial leases, Bowmans enjoys a strong position in the fields of real estate and construction. Real estate transactions, construction contracts, private conservancy foundations and land development, and land rights disputes count among the team’s strengths. Practice head Cornelius Kigera is a heavyweight in real estate financing transactions, and is supported by the complex projects-focused Alex Njage, construction law specialist Simon Kiriba, conveyancing and property development expert Paras Shah, and commercial property expert Philip Coulson.

Practice head(s):

Cornelius Kigera


Other key lawyers:

Alex Njage; Simon Kiriba; Paras Shah; Philip Coulson; Njeri Maina


Testimonials

‘Bowmans has provided an excellent team for our construction advice requests. They are very practical, on point, efficient and professional. They understand our needs very well and provide very realistic advice.’

Key clients

Tatu City Limited and Tatu City Phase 2 SEZ Limited


And Beyond Holdings (Pty) Limited


Sunbird Support Services Kenya Limited


Gateway Real Estate Africa Limited


Lewa Wildlife Conservancy


Borana Conservancy


Great Plains Conservancy Ltd


Shompole Plains Ltd


Tajano Limited


Ol Pejeta Conservancy


Goodison Nine Limited


Base Titanium Limited


Superior Homes (Kenya) PLC


Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited


Base Titanium Limited


The Nature Conservancy


Work highlights


  • Advised And Beyond Holdings (Pty) Limited in the incorporation of Kenyan subsidiaries and acquisition of two parcels of land measuring approximately 50 acres each for purposes of establishing tourist luxury accommodation within Suyian Ranch, which sits on a 44,010-acre parcel of land.
  • Advised Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited on land law matters relating to the ownership of property on which the client has built and operates a 310MW wind power project.
  • Acted for Ol Pejeta Conservancy in leasing various parcels of land within the conservancy for tourism and conservation purposes.

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates

Through its association with DLA Piper, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates is able to draw on a large network of resources in bringing scale and expertise to energy-related real estate transactions and advice. The practice regularly assists with acquisitions, regulatory approvals, structuring and development, leasing, and exercise of land rights. The team benefits from the leadership of all-round real estate expert Anne Kinyanjui, and also includes Norah Mutuku, who offers pertinent advice on large-scale development projects. Amrit Soar retired in December 2022, but remains with the firm in a consulting capacity.

Practice head(s):

Anne Kinyanjui


Other key lawyers:

Norah Mutuku; Bonface Abuya; Amrit Soar


Testimonials

‘IKM is a very professional firm that has demonstrated consistency in effective delivery of matters that they have handled for me in the past 15 years. They are steadfast in making sure that the client is kept abreast of all the aspects of the process as it progresses and follow through to ensure that the matter is closed within reasonable time scales.’

‘They have a people-centric system in place that is reassuring to a client.’

‘I particularly like the fact that the individuals I have dealt with make me feel valued and that they are patient when it comes to breaking down complex legal issues to me in a way that I can easily understand.’

‘That they are very accessible and ready to attend to me, sometimes on very short notice, is itself the more reason why I feel happy to engage IKM.’

Key clients

Kipeto Energy Limited


Hydrobox Kenya Limited


Cool Breeze Development Limited


Karume Holdings Limited


British American Tobacco Kenya PLC


Benaa Limited


Nutreco International B.V


Tuffsteel Limited


Centum Real Estate Limited


Art-Caffe Coffee & Bakery Limited


Baptist Mission of Kenya


Unilever Tea Kenya Limited


East Africa Breweries Limited


Munga Holdings Limited


Jacaranda Hotel Limited


Mass Discounters t/a Game and Dion Wired


The Boston Consulting Group (Kenya) Limited


International Fund for Animal Welfare


Hotel Utu Limited


Hua Xiang Development Company Limited


Kenya Simba Investments Company Limited


Executive Concepts Limited


Greenhills Investment Limited


East African Portland Cement Company PLC


Ramco Group of Companies


The Salesians of Don Bosco Registered Trustees Kenya


Atlas Kenya Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Kipeto Energy PLC (KEP) in its exercise and enjoyment of land rights in connection with a 100MW wind power project over an area of approximately 70km2 in Esilanke, Kajiado County.
  • Acted for Hydrobox Kenya Limited in its project on the development of a 5MW hydro power project in Murang’a County, Kenya, including advising on the acquisition of land rights for the project site as well as the transmission line and co-ordinating the acquisition of various land related consents, permits and approvals for the project.
  • Acted for Tuffsteel Limited, a leading steel, cement and hardware distributor, in the acquisition of a prime property along Mombasa Road on which the client has constructed a mixed-use development including a mall, retail outlets, restaurants, petrol service station and lube bay.

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Processing a high volume of real estate sale and purchase transactions, the dedicated team at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews advises on all relevant aspects of conveyancing, projects, planning, construction, regulatory, and compliance mandates. Lorna Mainnah leads the practice, and fields extensive expertise in large-scale conveyancing matters and complex commercial transactions, while managing partner Adil Khawaja has in-depth knowledge of real estate and planning law. Nancy Gitau assists with large-scale conveyancing transactions, including transfer and financing.

Practice head(s):

Lorna Mainnah


Other key lawyers:

Adil Khawaja; Nancy Gitau; Deborah Ontiri


Testimonials

‘They provide practical solutions.’

‘Lorna Mainnah is hands on and very knowledgeable. She is also very easily accessible.’

‘Personalised service.’

Key clients

Africa Logistics Properties


Nanyuki Ranching Limited


Hewton Limited


Riverglades Properties LLP


MTK Group


Plumbing Systems Limited and Flammatech Limited


Immo80 Kenya Limited


Eezy Track Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Hewton Limited on the structuring and management of a development comprising a commercial area and a residential area with 200 houses in one of Nairobi’s prestigious suburbs, worth approximately KSh2bn.
  • Advised Nanyuki Ranching Limited in the subdivision of a property in Nanyuki, Laikipia County measuring 4,738 acres and its subsequent sale to various purchasers, a deal worth approximately KSh2,2bn.

ENSafrica

ENSafrica‘s real estate practice is making a name for itself advising domestic and international clients on project financing, development, and portfolio acquisitions and divestments. Nigel Shaw is particularly experienced in the energy and infrastructure space, and leads a team including financing specialist Binti Shah, corporate real estate-focused Amar Grewal-Thethy, and project development expert Nkatha Omondi.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Shaw


Other key lawyers:

Binti Shah; Amar Grewal-Thethy; Nkatha Omondi


Key clients

City Lodge Hotels Ltd


Pan African Housing Fund (PAHF)


Nedbank


Work highlights


  • Assisted City Lodge Hotels, a leading selected services hotel chain listed on the JSE, with disposing of its substantial East African (Kenya and Tanzania) portfolio to Actis and Westmont.
  • Assisted PAHF with the buyout of its development partner in a major residential housing project.
  • Advised Nedbank on the restructuring of facilities to Cold Solutions Kenya SEZ Limited, the proceeds of which will be used to enable the borrower to develop a cold storage facility.

MMC ASAFO

With a presence in many large residential, commercial, and mixed-use development projects, MMC ASAFO is highly experienced in advising on structuring, regulatory approval, urban regeneration, land use, and environmental concerns. Managing partner Esther Njiru Omulele, who is a reliable source for developers, Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who focuses on project financing, and Jessica Mwenje Mayavi, who specialises in structuring and disposals, together lead the team.

Practice head(s):

Esther Njiru Omulele; Jessica Mwenje Mayavi; Isaiah Mungai Kamau


Key clients

New Makongeni Development LLP


KPMG Advisory Services Limited


Urban Renewal Housing Development LLP


Tatu City Limited


Tilisi Developments Limited


Maisha Housing Limited


Oaklands Properties Kenya Limited


Women of Kiambu Association


Garton Limited


HF Development and Investment Limited


Kisima Farmland Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented KPMG Kenya as part of a consortium assisting the State Department of Transport and the Kenya Railways Corporation with a transaction concerning the redevelopment of the Nairobi Central Railway Station.
  • Advised Women of Kiambu Association as landowners on all aspects of a joint venture arrangement between the client and a developer in relation to a housing project.
  • Advised Urban Renewal Housing Development LLP on all legal aspects of a transaction concerning an urban regeneration project.

Ashitiva Advocates LLP

Ashitiva Advocates LLP has a reputable real estate practice seasoned in residential, commercial, and multi-use developments, which regularly advises on project structuring, financing, due diligence and land use planning. Ribin Ondwari leads the team, leveraging expertise in transactions and regulatory compliance.

Practice head(s):

Ribin Ondwari


Key clients

Kenya Airways Housing Scheme


Kiliville Holdings Limited


Pinecrest Construction Company Limited


Earthly Friendly Exports Limited


Butterfly Properties


Ashton Business Park Limited


Kenya Airways Staff Provident Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised Kenya Airways Staff Housing Scheme on the acquisition of a multi-dwelling residential houses for its members.
  • Advised Kiliville Holdings Ltd on the purchase of land and construction of mixed-use development.
  • Advised Pinecrest Construction Ltd on the construction and sale of 223 residential apartments in a development known as Pinecrest View.

CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

Catering to a range of commercial enterprises, domestic entities and developers, CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates assists with development projects, sales and acquisitions, and the exercise of land rights. Practice head Harpreet Ubhi's expertise spans property, real estate, and probate law, and the team also benefits from the experience of Stella Situma, who works on real estate and bank securities, and Nancy Ndegwa, who advises on all property and construction matters. Hamish Keith retired in December 2022, but continues with the firm in a consulting capacity.

Practice head(s):

Harpreet Ubhi


Other key lawyers:

Stella Situma; Nancy Ndegwa; Hamish Keith; Abdulhafeez Noorani; Lillian Lofty


Testimonials

‘Great firm with great individualised personnel. Effective and responsive.’

‘Nancy Ndegwa is effective, responsive, timely, measured and gives great legal advice.’

‘Over the past 12 months, I have been able to both sell and also purchase simultaneously two properties in Nairobi, with the help of CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates. The attention to every detail was excellent in all the paperwork, transfer details, tax issues and assistance in general in both transactions. For this I am very grateful for the very professional assistance that I received from Harpreet Ubhi.’

Key clients

VDH Developments Limited


Viewpoint Properties Limited


Brookshill Crescent Investments Limited


Atelier Residency Limited


Work highlights


MMAN Advocates

Counting among its core competencies project structuring, construction contracts, and disposal and sales, MMAN Advocates advises on a number of commercial, residential and mixed dwelling developments. Judy Kabubu, who is well-versed in property and conveyancing law, heads the practice, with support from projects specialist Carole Ayugi and managing partner and acquisitions and disposals expert Waringa Njonjo.

Practice head(s):

Judy Kabubu


Other key lawyers:

Carole Ayugi; Waringa Njonjo


Key clients

Safaricom Staff Pension Scheme


Deerpark Limited


G4S Kenya Limited


Meru Green Wood Limited


Flamingo Tower Limited


Nyati SACCO


Unity Homes Limited


International Housing Solutions Kenya Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Safaricom Staff Pension Scheme on its real estate development dubbed Crystal Rivers, valued at over KSh4bn.
  • Advised Deerpark Limited on its real estate development dubbed Deerpark Estate, valued at over KSh1bn.
  • Acted for Meru Greenwood Limited, a venture capital of Fusion Capital, in connection with its commercial development in Kenya.

TripleOKlaw Advocates

TripleOKlaw Advocates‘ real estate practice assists with high-scale residential, commercial, and industrial developments, covering regulatory compliance, due diligence, contractual disputes, and transactions support. Tom Onyango, who brings to the table cross-border transactions and construction expertise, heads the practice alongside Renice Midar, who assists with complex, high-value property development projects. Daniel Muroki is on hand across the breadth of real estate matters.

Practice head(s):

Tom Onyango; Renice Midar


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Muroki


Testimonials

‘In my many transactions with them, I have never been disappointed with their quality of legal service. They are committed to their clients despite their growth, give individualised attention, and have proven their dedication to CSR and ethical practice.’

‘Tom Onyango and Daniel Muroki are both standouts.’

Tom Onyango has an exceptional breadth of knowledge, having been in the industry in Kenya for many years. He is the key to navigating any client through a complex real estate matter.’

‘Daniel Muroki shows a real commitment to his clients. He cares about the matter and the client, and is willing to give as much time as needed to reach his client’s desired outcome.’

‘The team is well-versed with real estate and construction practices. The customer care given to purchasers makes them comfortable enough to invest. Ability to deal with different situations and clients from diverse backgrounds and countries.’

Key clients

Bay Tree Realty Limited


Hayer Marquis Limited


Uhuru Heights Limited


Ceytun Insaat Sanayi Ve Ticaret


National Bank of Kenya Limited


Bluebell Properties Limited


Daystar Holdings Limited


Mashujaa Q&M PLC


Nirbhau Ventures Limited


Church Commissioners Properties Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Hayer Marquis Limited in the construction of its residential development valued at approximately $40m known as The Marquis, situated in the heart of Nairobi.
  • Acted for Uhuru Heights Limited (UHL), a subsidiary of the Centum Group of Companies, one of Kenya’s largest investment companies, in the construction of Cascadia Apartments in the city of Nairobi valued at $37m.
  • Acted for Mashujaa Q&M PLC, a cement distributor based in Abu Dhabi, in a cross-border transaction that involved setting up a $5m cement production plant.

Walker Kontos Advocates

An established player in the real estate space, Walker Kontos Advocates can be relied upon for advice on structured real estate transactions and investments, sales and acquisitions, and structuring. Jointly leading the team are Alexandra Kontos, who is particularly experienced in investigating land titles, Michael Kontos, who excels in complex residential and commercial real estate projects, and Peter Mwangi and Martha Muturi, who field expertise in conveyancing and property law. Deepen Shah focuses on residential sale, purchase, financing and lease transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Kontos; Michael Kontos; Peter Mwangi; Martha Muturi


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable about real estate particularly and an area in which Walker Kontos have been strong in the market for many decades.’

Key clients

International Finance Corporation


World Bank Group


United States International Development Finance Corporation


Société de Promotion et de Participation Coopération Economique (PROPARCO)


Standard Bank Group (Standard Bank of South Africa, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited)


The Trade and Development Bank


Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.


KCB Bank Kenya Limited


Bank of Africa Group


Absa Bank Kenya Plc


I&M Bank Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Band Division)


Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N. V. (FMO)


European Investment Bank


KIBO Capital Partners Limited


GuarantCo


Michelin AIM FZE


CFAO


Hewlett-Packard


Ciel Group Mauritius


Globeleq Kenya Limited


Homescope Limited


Hajar Services Limited


Spelco International Limited


Turaco Properties Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted Prosel Limited with an extensive inquisition and due diligence exercise in a land acquisition process and with determining the risks involved with the historical movements on the title of the property.