Legal team size: 3

Country you’re based in: Kenya

Have you had any experiences during your legal career that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

As the Group Head of Legal, I am tasked with overseeing legal operations for over 40 companies spread across East Africa. These businesses span everything from manufacturing and retail to aviation — each with its own regulatory maze and risk profile.

We negotiated a particularly high-stakes cross-border investment deal valued at millions of US dollars. It involved multiple jurisdictions, complex financial regulations, and high expectations from international investors. Leading the legal due diligence and risk assessment, I had to ensure that every contractual, regulatory, and compliance detail aligned not only with Kenyan law, but also with those of partner countries.

How are you bringing the legal department closer to your business colleagues?

I’ve made it a priority to position the legal department as a strategic partner, not a back-office gatekeeper. We developed a contract approval matrix and checklist that streamlined engagement with business teams, and I regularly conduct training sessions on topics like employment law, data protection, and debt recovery. By demystifying legal processes and embedding legal thinking into day-to-day operations, we’ve fostered collaboration, trust, and faster decision-making. Legal is now seen as a value enabler — not just a compliance function.