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

The Kenyan constituent of the Africa Legal Network, Anjarwalla & Khanna is home to a highly specialised and reputable banking, finance, and insolvency practice, whose expertise is employed by well-known domestic and international lenders requiring assistance across a range of sector-specific transactions. Syndicated debt financing, aviation finance, project finance, security transactions, fintech, capital markets, and debt financing are among the team’s strengths. Strongly entrenched in the insolvency space and leveraging extensive banking and finance experience, Sonal Tejpar leads the team, joined by Akash Devani, a reliable resource for large commercial lending transactions, Mona Doshi, a specialist in Islamic finance, Shellomith Irungu, who has a significant understanding of the energy and infrastructure sectors, and James Njenga Mungai, who focuses on transactions, insolvency, and restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Sonal Tejpar


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘The team provides cutting-edge innovative advice and hosts some of the best workshops/seminars/CLE events for their clients and in-house counsel. You can always rely on them for best-in-class advice and Magic Circle-like practice in Nairobi – their work ethic is second to none.’

‘I find Sonal Tejpar and her team extremely responsive, innovative, hard-working and very client-focused. They are, quite literally, my sounding boards and first port of call for complex financings and deal advisory.’

‘Highly knowledgeable, excellent service, thorough follow up, very organised.’

Key clients

Absa Bank Kenya


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


AgDevCo


Work highlights


  • Acted for Absa Bank Kenya in connection with an approximately $50.9m asset-backed finance transaction with Acorn Project Three for funding the development of 10 separate purpose-built student accommodation towers.
  • Acted for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in connection with a $12.7m financing to The Avenue Group, one of the largest players in the secondary healthcare market in Kenya.
  • Acted for AgDevCo, a social impact investor in African agribusiness, in connection with its $8m mezzanine financing to Agris-Granot Holdings, secured by a debenture created by its Kenyan subsidiary, Evergreen Avocado.

Bowmans

With a strong foothold in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions, Bowmans assists a wide range of clients, including lenders and borrowers across the energy, telecoms, real estate, and financial services sectors. Leveraged and acquisition finance, structured finance, derivatives, securitisation, subordinated debt, and insolvency and restructuring lie within the strengths of the practice, in addition to a dedicated fintech team. Practice head Cornelius Kigera has most recently been engaged by lenders in the oil and tea sectors on commodity finance matters, while Dominic Indokhomi is the go-to for queries relating to digital assets. Managing partner Paras Shah supports on complex transactions, including IPOs and sovereign bonds.

Practice head(s):

Cornelius Kigera


Other key lawyers:

Dominic Indokhomi; Paras Shah; Candice Kola; Cynthia Amutete


Key clients

KCB Bank Kenya Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


ABSA Bank Limited


IndusInd Bank Limited


Sibed Transport Company Limited


International Finance Corporation


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


Lendable Asset Management LLC


Nedbank Limited


The Land Degradation Neutrality Fund SLP


Work highlights


  • Acted for KCB Bank Kenya Limited in advancing an Open Tender System facility to Galana Oil Kenya Limited and advised on the preparation of the loan and security documents.
  • Acted for NCBA Bank Kenya PLC in connection with facilities by NCBA to Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Management Services Limited in the sum of $150m.
  • Acted as Kenyan counsel to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in connection with the $25m loan to be extended to Platinum Credit Limited and Premier Credit Limited.

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Prominent in the space of government financing, especially in relation to the oil and energy sector, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews runs the gamut of corporate finance transactions advice to large local and international corporations in real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture. Structured finance, sovereign bonds, securitisations, and syndicated lending also count among the practice’s strengths. Practice head Richard Omwela excels in loan, equity and project financing, and leads a team including Sigee Koech, who specialises in secured and unsecured financing for lenders and local and cross-border transactions for borrowers, Daniel Wanjau Muriu, who focuses on capital markets, and Andrew Mugambi, who works on project and PPP financing.

Practice head(s):

Richard Omwela


Other key lawyers:

Sigee Koech; Daniel Wanjau Muriu; Andrew Mugambi


Testimonials

‘Integration of technology and information to ensure all their services are easily accessible to all their clients.’

‘Personalisation of services to suit the specific client’s needs. Sharing the vision with clients enables understanding needs and how they can be met.’

‘The team is highly professional, knowledgeable and up-to-date with the market dynamics.’

‘They are full of energy, proactive, highly engaged, honest, and never make excuses for anything. They deliver as and when they promise to deliver.’

Key clients

Standard Chartered Bank Plc


African Export Import Bank


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited


Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited


Platcorp Holdings Limited


Balaji EPZ Limited


Kinetic Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as local counsel for the Standard Bank of South Africa, Citibank N.A. Kenya Branch, Stanbic Kenya Limited, and DFI’s British Investment International and Norfund, on Greenlight Planet Kenya Ltd’s market leading, first-of-its-kind, bank-led and entirely Kenyan-Shilling-denominated $130m securitisation deal.
  • Acted for Platcorp Holdings Limited and four of its subsidiaries in Kenya and Uganda in a $45m facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates

DLA Piper Africa’s Kenyan wing, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates, is a heavy hitter for domestic commercial banks, and regional and global mulitlateral lenders and development finance institutions seeking advice on a range of banking and finance matters. With a strong track record spanning several landmark decisions, the team specialises in lending and securities, corporate lending, structured finance, debt restructuring, and cross-border and syndicated loans. Practice head Anne Kinyanjui is a powerhouse in loan and syndicated finance transactions, while Kamami Christine Michira serves the wide range of secured and unsecured, tier two, trade, asset and invoice financing, and Norah Mutuku excels in real estate, bank securities and finance. Amrit Soar, having retired in January 2023, remains at the firm in a consulting capacity.

Practice head(s):

Anne Kinyanjui


Other key lawyers:

Kamami Christine Michira; Norah Mutuku; Amrit Soar; David Lekerai


Key clients

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


United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)


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


I & M Bank Limited


The Company for Habitat and Housing in Kenya (Shelter-Afrique)


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


Fusion Capital


Vital Capital


Atlas Tower Kenya Limited


Komaza Forestry Limited


TransCentury PLC


KCB Group PLC


Work highlights


  • Acted for KCB Bank Kenya Limited in relation to the loan facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) meant to fund the growth of the bank’s climate finance portfolio.
  • Advised Trans-Century PLC, an African-focused entity that invests in companies and projects within the infrastructure value chain and controls several subsidiaries in Africa, on its rights issue.
  • Advised KCB Group PLC (KCB Group) on a corporate reorganisation involving the merger of the businesses of KCB Capital Limited (KCB Capital), a licensed investment bank, and Natbank Trustee and Investment Services Limited (NTISL), a licensed fund manager and corporate trustee, and reorganisation of the resultant group structure to rationalise the holding company’s supervision and support for the operating subsidiaries.

ENSafrica

The growing practice at ENSafrica has a strategic focus on offering sustainable financing options to domestic and international banks and corporations, including hybrid banking solutions which combine bonds and loans. Capital markets, asset-backed securities, secured credit facilities, term loan facilities, and project and property financing are routine matters within the team’s portfolio. With specialist experience in infrastructure and aviation finance and derivatives, Binti Shah leads, supported by Nkatha Omondi, who can be relied on for high-profile mandates related to projects and energy.

Practice head(s):

Binti Shah


Other key lawyers:

Nkatha Omondi


Key clients

FMO


DEG


Finfund


Norfund


AATIF


Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Bonds S.A.


Nedbank


IFC


Proparco


AFD


The Rohatyn Group


Bluepeak


Work highlights


  • Advised FMO on their provision of a second loss portfolio guarantee to I&M Bank with regards to certain portfolios of loans.
  • Advised DEG, Finfund, Norfund, AATIF and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Bonds S.A on a Tier II financing for the Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited.
  • Advised Nedbank on the financing to Cold Solutions Kenya SEZ Limited, the proceeds of which will be used to enable the borrower to develop a cold storage facility.

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

Counting among its client portfolio major development finance institutions and domestic banks, Kaplan & Stratton Advocates is known for its work in the aircraft leasing and finance space, in addition to bank syndications, project financing, bonds and securities. Ruth Kirunga leads the team, with significant experience in complex structures and securities, while Peter Hime is the go-to for aircraft finance and acquisition. Eva Biegon supports on debt finance, securitisation, project finance and trade finance.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Kirunga


Other key lawyers:

Peter Hime; Eva Biegon


Key clients

IFC


Stanbic Bank Kenya


Export Import Bank of China


African Export-Import Bank


Agence Française de Développement


Nordic Aviation Capital A/S


Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij Voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (“FMO”)


Nedbank Limited


DEG


European Investment Bank


SFC Finance Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as Kenyan counsel for Fei Ongrid LP in a loan to AssetCo Solarise Africa Ltd, Solarise South Africa Assetco Proprietary Limited, Rest of Africa Assetco and Fei Ongrid LP in connection with the financing of the development, construction, operation and ownership of commercial and industrial solar projects and energy saving assets in Kenya and South Africa.
  • Advised on the refinancing of the loan to M-Kopa Kenya Limited.
  • Acted as local counsel for IFC on a complex senior debt financing of five green-field ceramics tiles plants in various countries around Africa, including Kenya.

MMAN Advocates

As the Kenyan component of Eversheds Sutherland Africa Alliance, MMAN Advocates draws on an expansive network when working on cross-border mandates, primarily representing lenders and borrowers in the aviation, energy, real estate, infrastructure, tech, and telecoms sectors. Practice head Judy Kabubu specialises in banking law and securitisation, while founding partner Waringa Njonjo advises lenders on corporate financing, syndication and sell-downs. Suzanne Muthaura is an asset and aviation finance expert, and Christopher Kiragu, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, has a keen interest in capital markets.

Practice head(s):

Judy Kabubu


Other key lawyers:

Waringa Njonjo; Suzanne Muthaura; Christopher Kiragu


Key clients

Terasteenus OÜ


Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Terasteenus OÜ on the requirements for setting up and providing the proposed services in Kenya.
  • Advised Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited on a $220m funding and simultaneous sell down of $50m term loans to Absa Bank Kenya PLC.

Walker Kontos Advocates

Acting for major commercial banks and development finance institutions both at home and abroad, Walker Kontos Advocates has gained a reputation for advising on the full range of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues in the banking and capital markets arena. Notable for its track record in project finance, syndications, and DFI investments, the team is also routinely engaged on initial public offerings, rights issues, and note and bond programs. Leadership is shared between syndicated financing adept Alexandra Kontos, project and corporate finance specialist Michael Kontos, finance transactions expert Peter Muhiu Mwangi, and banking all-rounder Deepen Shah.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Kontos; Michael Kontos; Peter Muhiu Mwangi; Deepen Shah


Other key lawyers:

Diana Situma; Martha Gitonga-Muturi


Testimonials

‘Very strong. Depth, excellent knowledge and highly conscientious. Good use of tech as well, and a good team.’

‘Michael Kontos is very experienced, very knowledgeable and well-versed in the legal aspects of a transaction.’

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


Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG)


Total Kenya Limited


Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company


Spelco Investments Limited


Prolific Properties Limited


Centum Investment Limited


Blackwood Hodge Kenya Limited


Astral Aviation Limited


Kestrel Capital East Africa Limited


Van Woustraat Limited


Fujax UK Limited


Britania Industries Limited


Carbon Neutral Royalty Limited


AutoXpress Limited


Napro Industries Limited


Saracota Enterprises Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised I&M Bank Limited on the take-over of facilities previously created by Freight-in-Time Limited in favour of Norfund.
  • Acted as Kenyan counsel to Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited and the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, the project lenders, in respect of loan facilities to be provided to Skar Lot 32 Development Corporation, a special purpose vehicle incorporated by each of Sinohydro (Singapore) PTE. Limited in connection with Lot 32 of Phase 1A of the Kenya Roads Programme.
  • Advised on the financing of Homescope Properties Limited by KCB Bank Kenya Limited, preparing Islamic finance security documentation for 23 properties of the developer which secured the financing transaction.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP

Regional and global financial players seeking assistance with their transactions and investments in Kenya, as well as domestic banks, rely on Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP for tailored advice on regulated industries including healthcare, financial services, insurance, banking, and energy. Managing partner Sammy Ndolo is the heart of the team, leveraging experience in acquisition finance, syndicated lending, structured finance, trade and commodity financing, and debt and equity capital markets. Brian Muchiri supports on due diligence and corporate compliance evaluation.

Practice head(s):

Sammy Ndolo


Other key lawyers:

Brian Muchiri


Testimonials

‘The team has been integral in assisting us as lenders to navigate the ever-changing law landscape in Kenya. They have been client-centric, solutions-driven and very attuned and attentive to our needs.’

‘Sammy Ndolo has been the calm in the storm. When everything around us is crumbling and we are all stressed and panicking, Sammy maintains his calm and continues to inject confidence back into any derailing transaction. He is technically strong, solutions-oriented and delivers every time.’

‘Sammy Ndolo is willing to make himself available to assist no matter the request and has proved time and time again invaluable with his in-depth knowledge of the market. We particularly appreciate his commercially-minded approach.’

‘Brian Muchiri is a very safe pair of hands in negotiations on debt deals. His in-depth knowledge and clear, calm and to-the-point approach has proved pivotal in difficult negotiations.’

Key clients

The Standard Bank of South Africa


Work highlights


CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates‘ banking and finance practice is a strong choice for blue-chip global heavyweights requiring transactions and investments support in Kenya, as well as Kenyan clients conducting business across the region. Julius Wako heads the team, with specialist expertise in the energy, projects, and infrastructure space, and is joined by Nishit Maru, whose niche is in the shipping sector, and Stella Situma, who deals primarily with real estate and bank securities.

Practice head(s):

Julius Wako


Other key lawyers:

Nishit Maru; Stella Situma


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive and provides commercially sensible and practical legal advice. Their turnaround times are also very prompt, and we have found them to be very responsible with timeframes.’

‘Julius Wako is a real star and knows the market very well. He resources at the right level, and is always on hand to provide guidance and appropriate partner-level involvement.’

‘The firm has specialised knowledge in the perfection of securities. They are fully dedicated to their work and make timely and precise communication with their clients.’

‘Julius Wako is thorough and devoted to his duties. He always makes time to return calls whenever applicable. He also goes out of his way to give sound advice and suggestions on possible solutions necessary to expedite the process.’

Key clients

Stanbic Bank Kenya


Standard Chartered Bank


I&M Bank Kenya


ABSA Bank


NCBA Bank


Victoria Commercial Bank


Bank of Baroda


Alba Petroleum Limited


Seabulk Trading Limited


Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited


Work highlights


KO Associates

Setting its sights especially on green and sustainable financing, KO Associates supports a wide array of financial institutions from both at home and across the East African region, advising on finance transactions and structuring, regulation, and compliance, as well as securitisation processes and equity and hybrid products. The team is led jointly by Crispine Odhiambo, who specialises in structured, project, and green finance, Brian Odongo, who assists with high-value transactions, and Ken Rutere, who, having joined from Igeria & Ngugi Advocates in November 2022, extends the real estate financing offering.

Practice head(s):

Crispine Odhiambo; Brian Odongo; Ken Rutere


Testimonials

‘KO Associates has a well-rounded team that has the rare and incredible ability to take time to understand one’s business/commercial environment in their assignment. They are deliberate and intentional in the conduct of their work.’

‘The ability to walk in the shoes of the entity they are offering legal solutions to. We have been confident and comfortable to have them present financial criteria we are preparing to our Board members and stakeholders.’

‘The team has a competent, hands-on professional and dedicated workforce.’

‘Crispine Odhiambo has supported us immensely, sometimes on short notice; all the while delivering great value and professionalism.’

‘The level of commitment makes this firm truly stand out and it makes all the difference to us as an organisation.’

‘The team has also demonstrated incredible technical skill and agility.’

We have appreciated the knowledge and attention to detail that Crispine Odhiambo together with his associates have brought to the assignment they have handled for us. Their technical expertise certainly sets them apart.’

Key clients

Equity Bank Kenya Limited (EBKL)


National Bank of Kenya


KCB Capital


Palladium Group – Kenya Investment Mechanism


ABSA Kenya PLC


Mwalimu National DT


Stima SACCO DT


Consolidated Bank Ltd


Development Bank Ltd


Water Sector Trust Fund


Poa Internet Kenya Limited


Nordic Aviation Capital


Ahadi Wireless


National Social Security Fund


National Olympic Committee (NOCK)


Work highlights


  • Advised the Water Sector Trust Fund, Kenyan State Corporation on the mandate to assist in financing the provision of water services to areas of Kenya without adequate services.
  • Advised the Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM) Business Advisory Support Services (BASP), a USAID program, on facilitating the investment of up to $520m in key sectors of Kenya’s economy, including agriculture, and for regional trade and investment opportunities under the Prosper Africa initiative.
  • Advised and acted for various banks including Equity Bank, National Bank, Consolidated Bank, ABSA and large SACCOs including Mwalimu National Sacco, Stima Sacco and Safaricom Sacco on securitisation with respect to various transactions within their portfolios to protect the banks’ interests.

Mboya Wangong'u & Waiyaki Advocates

Mboya Wangong'u & Waiyaki Advocates‘ strong roots in banking, finance and capital markets make the firm a solid choice for national and international entities seeking advice on IPOs, finance transactions, real estate investment trusts, exchange-traded funds and other cutting-edge capital markets instruments. Managing partner Gladys Mboya, who has a keen interest in development finance, leads the team alongside Godwin Wangong’u, a key player in corporate finance and capital markets transactions. Peter Waiyaki and CG Mbugua focus on novel capital markets deals, June Njoroge-Ngwele and Sylvia Kang'ethe specialise in real estate financing, and Kimani Njane excels in projects and infrastructure finance.

Practice head(s):

Gladys Mboya; Godwin Wangong’u


Other key lawyers:

Peter Waiyaki; June Njoroge-Ngwele; CG Mbugua; Kimani Njane; Sylvia Kang’ethe


Testimonials

‘Highly qualified and experienced in debt capital market transactions and legal advisory, client-centric and solution-focused.’

‘Solid expertise in the subject matter, solution-focused, and execution-oriented.’

Key clients

The National Treasury of Kenya


Africa Integras Kenya LLC


Thika Way Investments Limited


Export-Import Bank of China


African Development Bank Group


Housing Finance Development and Investment Limited


Trapos Limited


Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company


Work highlights


  • Advised the USAID’ Kenya Investment Mechanism and the Capital Markets Authority in the development of the new (overhauled) Capital Markets’ Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures Regulations.
  • Advised on the establishment of Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company and on its initial issue of a bond, the proceeds of which will be used to lend to banks and SACCOs to enable the commercial lenders’ issue of affordable home loans.
  • Advised Family Bank Limited on the issue of a public bond worth KSh4bn to be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, following the redemption of the KSh2bn bond issued by the bank in 2015.

MMC ASAFO

Counting several major domestic banks in its client portfolio, MMC ASAFO is frequently retained on matters involving banking and finance transactions, regulation, and fintech. Leadership is split between Esther Njiru-Omulele, who specialises in real estate financing, and structuring, and Isaiah Mungai Kamau, who offers a wealth of experience in syndicated finance, corporate finance, and debt restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Esther Njiru Omulele; Isaiah Mungai Kamau


Other key lawyers:

Judy Guandaru; Mary Gathoni Mwai


Key clients

HF Group Limited


Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited


ABSA Bank Kenya PLC


KCB Bank Kenya Limited


The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited


DIB Bank Kenya Limited


NCBA Bank Kenya PLC


Credit Bank PLC


Gulf African Bank Limited


Victoria Commercial Bank Limited


Family Bank Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised ABSA Bank Kenya PLC in financing a leading player in the tea export sector in the sum of $6.5m and KSh500,000.
  • Advised DIB Bank Kenya Limited in financing a leading dental health care provider in the country on a multifaceted banking facility involving a mix of working capital and trade finance in the sum of approximately $2m.
  • Advised KCB Bank Limited on a mezzanine facility involving one of the leading sugar milling companies in the East African region in the sum of approximately $44m.