Firms in the Spotlight Employment

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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Employment in Kenya

Anjarwalla & Khanna

Anjarwalla & Khanna‘s employment practice is routinely instructed by several high-profile national and international clients seeking its services across a range of advisory, litigious, transactional, and corporate governance matters. With support from its forensics team, the firm is also able to provide integrated support on risk, compliance and investigations. Sonal Tejpar, who has significant experience advising on restructuring and labour management matters, and managing partner Rosa Nduati-Mutero, who excels in M&A-related employment issues, lead the team, with corruption and bribery specialist Aisha Abdallah and employment litigation star Faith Macharia rounding out the group.

Practice head(s):

Sonal Tejpar; Rosa Nduati-Mutero


Other key lawyers:

Aisha Abdallah; Faith Macharia


Testimonials

‘Their attention to detail is unrivalled. They also stand tall in their team’s capacity to navigate/manage their cases from a thoroughly well-informed point of view.’

‘Sonal Tejpar and Faith Macharia are very knowledgeable in their respective disciplines and their customer service is excellent.’

Key clients

The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI)


AAR Kenya (AAR)


De La Rue Holdings


DHL Worldwide Express Kenya


Style Industries and Godrej Consumer Products


Association of Certified Chartered Accounts (ACCA)


GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)


Rainforest Farmlands Kenya


Nanovas International Kenya


Work highlights


  • Acted for the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), an independent consultative and advisory body in the insurance industry with 55 members and 4 associate members, in connection with a petition challenging the recent amendments made to the National Health Insurance Fund Act 1998, which were introduced through the National Health Insurance Fund (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2022.
  • Acted for AAR Kenya, a leading medical and general insurance company, providing innovative underwriting solutions to individuals, families and businesses, in connection with a dispute involving three former top management employees.
  • Acted for De La Rue Holdings in connection with redundancy of its employees as a result of termination of the cheque and security cards line of business and scaling down of their operations in Kenya.

Bowmans

Bowmans is a prime choice for international clients navigating the domestic employment scene and domestic corporations requiring a breadth of service. Leveraging cross-border expertise in the region, the team has an excellent track record in union and unfair dismissal suits, employment law elements of M&A transactions, employee incentive plans, and dispute resolution. Leadership is held jointly between Rainbow Field, whose focus is restructuring and redundancy, and Terry Mwango, who is the point of contact for contentious matters. Cecil Kuyo supports on litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Rainbow Field; Terry Mwango


Other key lawyers:

Cecil Kuyo; Irene Fwaya


Testimonials

‘Bowmans Kenya have excellent experience and expertise in employment and labour law matters.’

‘The team were able to provide high-quality urgent support that we required for an employment matter in Kenya recently and it was with their expertise that we were able to avoid a potentially bigger impact on the issue we faced. This expertise was reflected both at a partner and associate level which indicates an ability to help clients from a wider spectrum.’

‘Irene Fwaya was an invaluable help to us at a critical time during which our HR team required assistance on a restructuring matter. Her immediate availability and prompt advice on many issues was precisely what we required given the nature of the situation at the time.’

Key clients

HealthActive


Mawingu Networks Limited


Ericsson Limited


Boeing International Corporation PLC


Visa CEMEA Holdings Limited


Mawingu Networks Limited


Samasource


Corteva Agriscience


Sabic Kenya Ltd


60 Decibels


Kingston Reid and Fortescue Future Industries Kenya Ltd.


Microsoft East Africa Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised HealthActiv (a member of IBL Group), on the preparation of template employment contracts to be entered into between Harley’s Limited (Harley Kenya) and its expatriate employees, and service agreements to be entered into between Harley Kenya and its founders.
  • Advised and acted for Mawingu Networks Limited in an employment claim for unfair termination and a claim for an employee stock ownership plan.
  • Advised and acted for Ericsson in an employment claim for unfair termination leading to a good outcome at the Court of Appeal.

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Key players in the finance, energy, defence and tech industries routinely seek the expertise of Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews for the team's ease of success in employment disputes, as well as its tailored advice on disciplinary and termination processes, restructuring, employee transfers, and employment contracts. Michi Kirimi specialises in redundancy and restructuring advice, as well as labour disputes with former employees, while Lorna Mainnah is highly regarded for her expertise in immigration matters for expatriate employees. Litigator Ezra Makori is an excellent resource when negotiating with labour unions.

Practice head(s):

Michi Kirimi; Lorna Mainnah


Other key lawyers:

Ezra Makori


Testimonials

‘We have worked on very complex cases with the team. They are organised, professional, resourceful and very sound on matters of law. They are current and will guide clients on legal matters. Their advice is always the right one to follow.’

‘Ezra Makori is exceptional! Professional, available, knowledgeable, respectful, resourceful and always there for his clients. He is one counsel I can call any time of the day to request legal assistance and he will provide the support required from wherever he is.’

‘The team is well structured with a great understanding of the matters in their purview. Diverse and well-skilled team.’

‘Excellent legal advisory services delivered in a timely manner. The team is dedicated in keeping the client updated on the status of the matters.’

‘Effective collaboration and attention to the client’s unique organisational set up has been critical in their delivery.’

‘Absolute pleasure working with the employment team, especially Ezra Makori, who has a great understanding of the law and specific needs of the company.’

‘Availability of the team to respond to quick consultations.’

Key clients

G4S Kenya Limited


Water Org


Kenya Kazi Services Limited


Gulf Energy Ltd


One Earth Future Foundation


Federation of Kenya Employers


Wells Fargo Ltd


Airtel Networks Kenya Limited


Lufthansa Cargo AG


National Bank of Kenya Limited


Work highlights


  • Defended a client against a claim lodged by 63 claimants seeking approximately KSh1.6bn where a substantial part of the claim was dismissed and the claim amount was reduced by over 90%.
  • Defended a private security services company sued by 245 former employees who were seeking approximately $900,000 for unfair and wrongful dismissal from employment.

Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates

With an excellent track record in employment advisory and litigation, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates is patronised by leading names in a range of industries, including banking, education, and tech. Complex disputes, restructuring briefs, and M&A-related employment matters are expertly handled by the team. Practice head William Maema is a seasoned employment expert, and is particularly adept in supporting businesses in navigating complex employment laws and regulations. Martin Munyu excels in high-stakes disputes, while Imelda Anika and Christine Njau are key contacts for immigration support.

Practice head(s):

William Maema


Other key lawyers:

Martin Munyu; Imelda Anika; John Ndirangu; Christine Njau


Testimonials

‘Client-centred. Does their research and shares with the client. Have meetings to take you through what the research and the implications are and give advice but lets you decide on the next steps after their advice both in writing after a meeting to explain and clarify.’

‘Takes their time to research and explain based on the situation and also give examples of previous cases.’

‘Martin Munyu has offered to notch service which is client-centric. He has been able to understand our needs and effectively advise on our legal issues.’

‘Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates is a team of seasoned legal minds with in-depth understanding in employment and labour matters. IKM’s commitment to the assignment is astounding and they should be on everyone’s speed dial. You are guaranteed value for every coin spent.’

‘William Maema is a humble person yet very accomplished in the legal space. He understands the assignment as his and his legal opinion is as good as a judgement. He makes me shine.’

‘IKM has a unique approach to collaboration with their clients. No matter is too small for even senior members of the team. I found the team extremely competent in all areas of labour matters in Kenya and they also proactively anticipated my needs. The teams TAT was second to none. Urgent matters no matter how late in the day were addressed in an accurate and timely manner. ’

‘William Maema is an absolute star. His empathetic approach, deep knowledge and experience coupled with his pragmatic approach to all matters made him stand out for me.’

‘IKM’s team takes full collective responsibility for delivery of the task assigned to them by the client. The team is made up of highly committed, highly engaged and highly capable people.’

Key clients

KCB Bank Kenya Limited


Palladium Development and Consultancy Kenya Limited


Hillcrest Investments Limited


Britam Holdings PLC


Cadbury Kenya Limited


Uber


GE East Africa Services Limited


M.P. Shah Hospital


Centre for International Programs Kenya


Princeton University


Work highlights


  • Advised KCB Bank Kenya Limited on the employment aspects of the proposed transfer of the business of Natbank Trustee and Investment Services Limited to KCB Capital Limited and the subsequent renaming of KCB Capital to KCB Investment Bank Limited.
  • Advised Hillcrest Investments Limited on the employment aspects of the transfer of its business and assets to Braeburn Schools Limited.
  • Advised and represented Palladium Development and Consultancy Kenya Limited in a termination of employment matter against its former senior employee.

Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

International corporations, large public companies, SMEs, and not-for-profit entities seek out Kaplan & Stratton Advocates for their expert advice on contentious and non-contentious employment matters. The team offers a full service across disputes, investigations, compliance, structuring, recruitment, immigration, and employee transfers. Practice head Sam Wainaina is without peer in the realm of pensions, and Peter Gachuhi flaunts extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Esther Kinyenje enjoys a stellar reputation in major trade and industrial relations disputes, while Cosima Wetende is another skilled litigator and labour law advisor.

Practice head(s):

Sam Wainaina


Other key lawyers:

Peter Gachuhi; Esther Kinyenje; Cosima Wetende


Testimonials

‘Client care. The firm is available to support not only on litigious employment matters but business strategy matters affecting labour.’

‘Esther Kinyenje is brilliant. Able to make practical judgments. She has been very supportive in providing guidance on CBA negotiation matters, and investigations processes, and has provided good guidance on employment policy implementation and amendments for the business.’

‘Esther Kinyenje is an excellent litigator. She provides good litigation strategies and executes them with perfection.’

‘The team puts in extra effort to attend to matters with the highest standard of professionalism. They are very reliable.’

‘Esther Kinyenje and Cosima Wetende stand out in labour matters due to their up-to-date knowledge of developments in the labour environment and ability to address high-value claims.’

Key clients

Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Ltd


Prudential Life Assurance Kenya Ltd


Kenya Tea Growers Association


Kenol Kobil


Unilever Kenya Ltd and Unilever Tea Ltd


AMREF Health Africa


Samsung Kenya Limited


British American Tobacco (BAT) Limited


Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd


Orpower 4 Inc.


FSD Africa


Syngenta Group


American Tower Corporation


Ford Foundation


Tearfund


Work highlights


Munyao Muthama & Kashindi

Munyao Muthama & Kashindi‘s reputable employment practice draws leading blue-chip companies, top-tier banks, multinational corporations, public entities, and educational institutions seeking advice on a range of matters. Support is available for contested dismissal and collective bargaining disputes, employee separation processes, as well as compliance and best practices. Irene Kashindi is well-recognised as an all-rounder with significant experience and is complemented by labour law expert George Kashindi, experienced litigator Margaret Miringu, and Antoney Aringa, who has run several successful defences in employment and labour relations disputes.

Practice head(s):

Irene Kashindi


Other key lawyers:

George Kashindi; Margaret Miringu; Antoney Aringa


Testimonials

‘Every member of the team I have interacted with has in-depth legal knowledge and expertise. They provide sound advice and are adept in employment matters.’

‘Proactive, provide thorough in handling issues. They conduct research and analysis of each issue and communicate in a timely manner.’

‘They give personalised services and collaborate with their client.’

Key clients

Safaricom PLC


Huawei Technologies Kenya Limited


Spire Properties


National Bank of Kenya


Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission


Kenya Ports Authority


Aga Khan University


Kenya Pipeline Corporation


Nairobi Hospital


Bank of Africa Limited


Kilifi County Government


AAR Insurance Kenya Limited


Kenya Power & Lightning Company Limited


I&M Bank Kenya Limited


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended Spire Properties Limited, a key player in the hospitality industry, in two contentious appeals in the Supreme Court of Kenya.
  • Represented bluechip and leading corporates such as Safaricom PLC, Unilever Kenya and National Bank of Kenya in an array of contentious labour law disputes.

MMAN Advocates

A strong showing in pensions and employment advice makes MMAN Advocates, a member of the Eversheds Sutherland Africa alliance, a key contender for national and international players across an array of industries including energy, manufacturing, financial services, education, tech, and telecoms. The team is particularly well-versed in consulting on employee benefits, ESOP structuring, employment contracts, and HR policy issues. Carole Ayugi leads the practice, with a wealth of experience in pensions and transactions-related employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Carole Ayugi


Other key lawyers:

Jeff Kinuthia; Allison Lloyd


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent knowledge and expertise on pension matters.’

‘The individuals are professional, available and flexible to client needs.’

 

Key clients

Eni S.P.A (‘’Eni’’)


Amazon.com Inc.


University of Oxford


Open Society Foundation


Nokia Pension Scheme


Dimension Data Solutions East Africa Limited


Zamara Actuaries, Administrators & Consultants Limited


M-Gas


Diakonia Africa


Amazon Web Services


Rubis Energy Kenya PLC Staff Provident Fund


Diversey Staff Provident Fund


Iron Mountain Incorporated


R Twinning & Co. LTD


ByteDance Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Rubis Energy Kenya PLC Staff Provident Fund in the preparation of a deed of amendment to the trust deed and rules in line with the NSSF Contracting-Out Regulations.
  • Advised Diversey Staff Provident Fund in the preparation of a deed of amendment to the trust deed and rules in line with the NSSF Contracting-Out Regulations.
  • Assisted R. Twinning & Co. Limited with a review of its consultancy agreement to ensure compliance with the agreed commercial terms and applicable law.

Oraro & Company Advocates

Particularly prominent in employment litigation, Oraro & Company Advocates enjoys a loyal roster of prominent clients relying on the team in complex voluntary early retirement, unfair termination, and redundancy disputes. Practice head Chacha Odera has a demonstrated track record in defending against class actions, while John Mbaluto is similarly proficient in navigating trade union disputes. Sandra Kavagi supports across the range of employment and labour law matters.

Practice head(s):

Chacha Odera


Other key lawyers:

John Mbaluto; Sandra Kavagi


Key clients

TelPosta Pension Scheme


National Bank of Kenya


Kenya Railways Corporation


The Honourable Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya


Tumaini Self Service Limited


Aidspan


Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited


Kenya Medical Supplies Authority


Jubilee Insurance Company of Kenya Limited


Kenya National Union of Teachers


Work highlights


  • Acted for TelPosta Pension Scheme in defending a judgment by the Retirement Benefits Appeals Tribunal (RBAT) for unpaid retirement dues of approximately $79.1m by former employees of Telkom Kenya Limited, owned by a UK private equity firm operating in Africa.
  • Acted for Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited in proceedings that commenced before the Chief Executive Officer of the Retirement Benefits Authority, who found that the benefits of the former employees of the bank had been properly computed, and dismissed the complaint.
  • Represented the National Bank of Kenya against three separate class action claims in the Employment and Labour Relations Court for the retabulation of terminal benefits arising from voluntary early retirement taken by the claimants.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP

Assisting corporations both at home and abroad, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP‘s employment practice provides a number of advisory services, including regarding redundancy, due diligence and compliance, corporate immigration, and employee benefits. Njeri Wagacha, experienced in employment contracts, disciplinary proceedings, and statutory compliance, leads the team, with support from Rizichi Kashero-Ondego.

Practice head(s):

Njeri Wagacha


Other key lawyers:

Rizichi Kashero-Ondego


Testimonials

‘I like the podcasts. Its advisory services are also quite informative.’

‘Highly responsive. Turnaround time is very short.’

‘We have the Kenyan office on retainer. The firm is responsive.’

‘What makes this practice unique is the diversity in terms of expertise (e.g. legal and tax matters, great webinars, to name a few).’

‘The individuals were very professional and handled the issues very well.’

‘Njeri Wagacha and Rizichi Kashero-Ondego are very professional, polite, patient and supportive.’

‘The team was very professional and up-to-date with the current legal matters and handled the issues the company presented to them very well and on time.’

‘I recommend the firm for its in-depth expertise in the employment sector and experience.’

Key clients

MTN Business Kenya


International Development Labour Organization


SAP East Africa


Mamy Eyewear East Africa


Paygo Energy


KOKO Networks


VVOB


Terry Wijenje


BBOXX


Eva Pharma IP Holding


Icolo


Khasay


Shara


Work highlights


ENSafrica

ENSafrica continues to grow its client base of national and international big hitters, providing employment advisory within the scope of terminations and exits, recruitment, due diligence and compliance, as well as allegations of misconduct and employee disputes. Nigel Shaw heads the team, with a strong background in HR policy and process review, inclusivity measures, and corporate immigration. Binti Shah is well-versed in redundancy processes, Mahesh Acharya is experienced in disciplinary proceedings, and Amar Grewal-Thethy has had success with business transfer queries.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Shaw


Other key lawyers:

Binti Shah; Mahesh Acharya; Amar Grewal-Thethy; Faith Chebet; Jimmy Simiyu


Testimonials

‘ENSAfrica Kenya are very thorough in the legal research, and they issue sound legal advice tailored to a client’s needs. I commend them for their competence and professionalism, especially in employment matters.’

‘The people are very professional, competent and approachable. They also have a good grasp and comprehension of the law. I particularly commend Jimmy Simiyu for his expertise in employment matters, and for his professionalism. He is very keen on detail and meticulous in presentation.’

Key clients

Profica International (Pty) Limited


International Housing Solutions (HIS)


Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd


World Bank


Massmart (Pty) Ltd


Elephant Club dba Elephant Cooperation


Mennonite Economic Development Associates of Canada (MEDA)


Envirom Group AS


Cepheid


Colgate-Palmolive


VMware, Inc.


Prialto, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Profica International (Pty) Limited following an alleged unlawful and unfair termination of employment of one of its senior most executives in its business in the East Africa region on grounds of poor performance.
  • Advised International Housing Solutions (HIS) in relation to an allegation of serious misconduct by one of its senior executives.
  • Assisted Ocean Network Express with incorporating a subsidiary in Kenya, as well as advice on recruitment of employees in Kenya, including preparation of a tripartite agreement and template employment contracts.