Anjarwalla & Khanna is a leading adviser to multinational corporates, as well as local, pan-African investors and international investors. Led by Roddy McKean, the first-rate team stands out in high-profile domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, including those involving multiple African countries. It has a particularly strong M&A capability, which is enhanced by its ability to provide specialist risk and compliance advice. Other work includes private equity and venture capital transactions, joint ventures and restructurings. McKean works with practitioners such as Karim Anjarwalla, Kenneth Njuguna and Rosa Nduati-Mutero, among others.

Bowmans‘ standing in the market is reflected by the large volume of transactions it attracts, as well as its prominence in particularly high-value matters. In addition, a significant portion of the firm’s mandates have a cross-border dimension, with issues reaching across the continent. The team recently advised Safaricom, which is the largest telecoms provider in Kenya, on its bid for a second licence in Ethiopia. Elsewhere, the firm’s ability to advise on ancillary competition and tax law issues are a value-add for the practice. M&A expert Joyce Karanja-Ng’ang’a co-heads the large department with Rainbow Field and tax specialist Alex Mathini. Richard Harney and Paras Shah are other key individuals, as are Philip Coulson, Kendall Evans and Vruti Shah.

The corporate and commercial team at CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates, led by Shitul Shah and Hamish Keith, provides legal services in all areas of Kenyan business and company law. The firm advises on the incorporation and registration of trading entities and the restructuring and reorganisation of companies or groups for tax purposes. Other work includes assisting with compliance matters and business licensing in sectors including retail and telecoms.

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is a strong choice for advice on complex mergers, acquisitions, takeovers and buyouts that often involve cross-border elements. Daniel Muriu Wanjau , Andrew Mugambi and Peter Okaalet are key partners with extensive experience in competition and merger control applications. Practice head Richard Omwela has expertise in capital markets transactions, including corporate bonds issuances and IPOs.

ENSafrica is highly regarded for advice on corporate and commercial matters, with its workload including M&A, restructurings, disposals and buyouts. The department’s experience spans several sectors, ranging from tourism and infrastructure to energy and real estate. The firm was involved in the first-ever cross-border buy-back of listed securities in East and Central Africa, where it acted for Nation Media Group. Mahesh Acharya and Amar Grewal-Thethy jointly lead the commercial, corporate and M&A practice. Meshack Mboya is a highly-rated associate.

The corporate team at Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates is regularly involved in complex and novel transactions that span a number of sectors. It has maintained an influx of engagements in the financial services, private equity and bank acquisition sectors. As a member of the DLA Piper Africa network, it is well-equipped to carry out continent-wide work. James Kamau and David Lekerai  co-head the department, which was bolstered by Kamami Christine Michira ‘s arrival from Bowmans. Trishala Devani is a name to note at associate level.

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates is able to provide a full range of services to clients, with the corporate and M&A practice being able to count on the support of practitioners with expertise in finance, tax, competition, regulatory and employment law. The team operates across multiple sectors, with mandates ranging from telecommunications matters to mandates relating to energy and natural resources. Joseph Ng’ang’ira and Sarah Kiarie-Muia lead the team, which also includes Kenneth Kamaitha. Oliver Fowler is another experienced practitioner.

Walker Kontos Advocates' corporate and M&A practice benefits from the firm's strong presence in the banking sector, with it undertaking a significant amount of work for leading banks. In addition, the private equity and agri-business industries are seen as other key areas of strength. Areas of expertise include M&A, restructurings, joint ventures and capital markets transactions. Alexandra Kontos specialises in transnational acquisitions and buyouts, while managing partner Michael Kontos is experienced in both local and cross-border mandates. Peter M Mwangi and Deepen Shah are notable lawyers.

KO Associates is highly reputed for advising large corporate clients operating in the technology, infrastructure and energy sectors. The corporate and commercial team have been involved in a wide array of mandates recently, with instructions from Safaricom PLC and Microsoft East Africa Ltd. Crispine Odhiambo Awitti and Stephen Kiptinness are recommended.

MMC ASAFO has a robust commercial, corporate and M&A practice, which is strong in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The firm has a wide client base, including Tracom Services Limited and Automobile Association of Kenya. Its work spans several sectors, such as technology, manufacturing and entertainment, among others. Esther Njiru-Omulele and Isaiah Mungai Kamau are names to note.

TripleOKlaw Advocates is a robust firm based in Nairobi which offers a range of commercial law services with particular expertise in M&A. It is active in the financial services sector with a strong record for advising on inbound investment in Kenya. Notably, the firm was the lead legal adviser for the establishment of the world’s first development real estate investment scheme, Acorn D-REIT. Bryan Muindi heads the corporate and commercial department and is supported by Jinaro Kibet, who has expertise in private equity transactions.