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Kieti Law LLP: Raising the Bar of Boutique Legal Practice in Kenya

Kieti Law LLP is a boutique firm in true sense of the word in that its partners have what it takes to offer corporate finance, mergers and acquisition, private equity, intellectual property, dispute resolution and clean energy finance all under one roof.

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If there are unicorns in the Kenyan legal startup scene, the firm of Kieti Law LLP is one of them. In less than 4 years since its launch in 2017, the firm has built an enviable reputation as one of the leading boutique law firms in Kenya specializing in corporate law; finance; energy and natural resources; environment and climate change; projects and real estate.

At the same time, Kieti Law LLP’s Managing Partner Sammy Ndolo has managed to attract star legal practitioners from top law firms in Kenya to build a very formidable team of 5 Partners and a handful of associates, all lawyers who have a strong reputation as leaders in their specialist area and are well regarded by their peers and clients.

What Sets Kieti Law LLP Apart

Several factors set Kieti Law LLP apart. One, the firm boasts the youngest and the finest set of lawyers in Kenya. Not only is everyone at Kieti under 40 years, the firm’s lawyers have more than 40 years’ combined experience working in the top law firms in Kenya including Dentons HHM, CMS Daly & Inamdar, Anjarwalla & Khanna and DLA Piper IKM Advocates.

Two, the firm’s lawyers are not only solid legal professionals, half of them have a Masters of Law (LL.M), MSc or MA Degree. Three quarters of the Kieti’s lawyers also have additional qualification including as Solicitor, Arbitrator, Certified Public Secretary (CPS), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or experts in Sustainable Energy Finance and Securities & Investments.

Three, Majority of Kieti’s partners have worked for or been seconded to “Magic Circle Law Firms” including Allen & Overy and Linklaters and Global20 Law Firms Mayer Brown International LLP (London) and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe). This is an added advantage in serving international clients who need a combination of national expertise and global experience.

In addition, the Kieti’s Partners are not only experts in their own areas of specialization but have skillsets that complement each other and enable the firm to take care of all aspects of any transaction. The end result is that corporate clients looking to get their deals done from start to finish can count on Kieti Advocates LLP’s solid in-house legal expertise.

Kieti Law LLP is a Truly Boutique Law Firm

To be sure, Kieti Law LLP is a boutique firm in true sense of the word in that its partners have what it takes to offer corporate finance, mergers and acquisition, private equity, intellectual property, dispute resolution and clean energy finance all under one roof. Kieti Partners are able to avail big law firm expertise with mid-size law firm advantage.

Sammy Ndolo, the managing partner of Kieti Advocates LLP, has proven and tested expertise in corporate law and finance including acquisition finance, debt lending, syndicated lending, structured finance, trade and commodity financing, debt and equity capital markets, corporate governance, cross border public and private mergers and acquisitions and corporate re-organisations.

According to Chambers Global Guide 2021 Edition: “Sammy Ndolo advises on a range of corporate issues, including restructuring, investments, joint ventures and franchising, as well as financing and governance issues. One source enthused: “He comfortably meets all deadlines, and provides an exceptional product and service offering.”

Shem Otanga, the Head of Intellectual Property Practice at Kieti Advocates LLP is a recognized expert and practitioner in intellectual property, data protection and ICT law. He also practices in commercial law, employment and retirement benefits schemes law as well as regulatory advisory work across various sectors of commerce, technology and industry.

Chambers Global Guide 2021 ranks Shem Otanga among the Intellectual Property Lawyers to watch in Kenya. It notes that Shem Otanga is praised by sources as “exceptionally responsive,” and they add that he “goes the extra mile, working night and day to meet key deadlines.” He is well versed in both contentious and advisory trade mark matters.”

Njeri Wagacha who joined Kieti Advocates LLP as a partner last year is an expert in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, franchising, competition and employment law. She is also a qualified Solicitor who has assisted in advising on a variety of commercial transactions including asset and share acquisitions, shareholders’ agreements and franchising agreements.

Desmond Odhiambo, the Head of Kieti’s Litigation Practice, is a highly commended litigator and arbitrator with a brilliant legal mind and extensive litigation experience covering the full spectrum of commercial activity including banking and finance, shareholder and joint ventures, insolvency, employment and labour relations, public procurement, intellectual property, engineering, building and construction contracts.

Clarice Wambua, one of the few qualified Climate Change Law and Policy Experts in Kenya, leads the firm’s Energy, Mining and Extractives, Environment and Climate Change Practice. She has wide experience in advising on regulatory and compliance issues in these areas, is an expert in sustainable energy finance and previously served as In-house Counsel for Carbon Africa.

Thought Leadership, Change and Future of Kieti Law LLP

In terms of thought leadership, Njeri Wagacha is the host of firm’s groundbreaking Podcast NjeriTalksLaw, now in its fifth episode. The lawyers of Kieti Advocates LLP are also prolific and insightful contributors on legal issues at the global stage. The firm’s Desmond Odhiambo and Peter Mutema contributed the chapter on Kenya’s law in the Global Edition of the “Employment & Labour Law Guide 2020”, part of Lexology’s Getting the Deal Through series.

Clarice Wambua contributed the chapter on Kenya in the 17th Edition of Environment & Climate Change Law 2020 of the International Comparative Law Guides (ICLG). The firm’s partners have also been featured in top webinars on law and practice. In one of recent publications, Kieti Advocates partner Shem reviews the extraterritorial applicability of Kenya’s Data Protection Act in light of the appointment of Kenya’s first ever Data Commissioner.

As part of its commitment to offer pro borno legal services that make a difference, the firm is a member of Trustlaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation pro bono referral organization. It is actively involved in supporting NGOs, non-profits and social enterprises that are involved in social change by offering them free legal advice.

In retrospect, the risk Sammy Ndolo and his co-founders took in leaving their positions as Partners in some of the leading law firms in Kenya to start their own law firm from scratch at the height of the 2017 elections has paid off. Today, Kieti Law LLP stands out as one of the emerging key players in the Kenya’s Legal Industry and the future looks even more promising for the firm.

Law Firms

A Toolkit for Customers on accessing Financial Services in Kenya

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By HMS Advocates LLP | info@hms.africa

Financial service providers such as banks, SACCOS and other institutions offer customers products and services that empower them to manage and grow their financial resources. As part of our Initiative to raise Financial awareness during Global Money Week, 2024 we have summarized some of the matters Customers should consider when accessing financial services:

  1. Tariffs and Commissions

As with any business, Financial Institutions charge customers for their products and services. These charges, more commonly known as Tariffs and Commissions, are levied on the Institutions offerings, and are not limited to fees charged on transactional accounts, loan accounts, credit cards and the various channels customers transact across. Financial institutions are required to advise their customers about applicable tariffs they will pay for day-to-day running of the account. Customers should be aware that it is best practice for these Financial Institutions to notify their customers at least 30 days in advance or before material account changes are effected.

  1. Loans and Change of Interest or Profit Rates

Interest Rates that are charged when a customer secures a Loan with a Financial Institution may from time to time be reviewed by their Financial Institution. In such an event the Financial Institution should inform their consumer on the change the interest rates on accounts and should provide notice in line with standard notification practice. For Islamic banking customers on the other hand term “Interest” does not apply but rather Profit and as per Shari’ah Principles, once a contract of financing has been signed between the bank and the customer, none of these parties has the right to change the profit rate, regardless of the fluctuation of rates in the market.

  1. Rights to accurate reporting and confidentiality

In as much Customers do make a lot of effort to repay their Loans there are circumstances under which some Customers have often found that their details have been inaccurately published by the Credit Reference Bureau therefore being detrimental to any future borrowings. Customers however have the right to dispute any inaccurate information published by the Credit Reference Bureau, including incomplete or inaccurate information and there are laws and regulations on how to settle these disputes.

  1. Closure or Freezing of Accounts

Some Customers may experience the closure of freezing of accounts. It should be noted that unless there are exceptional circumstances, a bank should not suspend or close an account without giving the account signatory at least a 14 day notice. However, if the Bank is required to freeze the account in compliance with statutory requirements or legal obligation, a post freeze notice should be given to the customer promptly.

  1. Reporting on Unclaimed Financial Assets

Lastly, Financial service providers such as banks are required on an annual basis to hand over to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority any unclaimed deposits (cash, cheques, and other assets of financial value) that have not been accessed by the customer in over 2 years. Therefore, customers must ensure that they transact on their accounts so as to prevent their account from falling dormant. In conclusion, Article 46 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) sets out laws and acceptable practices that the providers of goods and services should adopt when engaging consumers. In addition to the Constitution, the Consumer Protection Act 2012 prevents unfair business practices in consumer transactions. Both Financial Institutions as well as their customers should familiarise themselves with these laws.

About the Author: HMS Africa Advocates LLP is among the foremost innovative and full-service Law Firm in Kenya. The firm serves clients in diverse sectors and areas including Banking and Financial Sector, Real Estate and Construction, Corporate and Commercial Sectors and Litigation and Dispute Resolution. The firm  clients extend across the globe with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Egypt. 

This article is for general informational purposes only, it is not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact HMS Advocates LLP at info@hms.africa.

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Top 25 Law Firms in Kenya 2024: Githuku & Githuku Advocates LLP

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Photo Courtesy: Firm Logo.

GITHUKU & GITHUKU ADVOCATES LLP

Established in 2016| Partners: 2 | Principal Office: Nairobi

Contacts: Kose Heights, 3rd Floor, Apartment F 3.4, Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya.

Telephone: (+254) 725 759 887 / (+254) 723 634 410

Email: info@githukuadvocates.co.ke; githukuadvocates@gmail.com

Website: www.githukuadvocates.co.ke

Download: Githuku & Githuku Advocates LLP Profile (PDF)

The Firm

Githuku & Githuku Advocates LLP is a full-service law firm that constitutes of several advocates, legal consultants and a number of paralegal and administrative staff. The firm was established in April 2016 by the founding partners Hannah Wangui Githuku and Dianah Wanjeri Githuku. The firm’s vision is to provide legal services to all businesses, institutions or persons, to offer practical solutions to our clients and to be universally recognized as a full-service law firm.

The firm undertakes to embrace client’s needs and address them soundly by offering turn-around time, to enable them make informed decisions. The firm has a reputation for providing exceptional legal services. The firm lawyers are renowned for their commitment to excellence and for ability to find innovative solutions to the most complex of legal problems which clients recognize and value.

The firm currently has offices in the prestigious environs of Hurlingham area at Kose Heights Building 3rd Floor Suite F3.4 located on Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi. It has associate lawyers and consultants to enable the firm deal with matters across the country under one umbrella. The firm stands out for its resolve to provide amicable and effective solution-oriented services in a timely manner to its clients and offers the full spectrum of legal service and aid to a diverse clientelle base.

Practice Areas

Githuku & Githuku Advocates LLP offer a diversity of expertise in all areas of major practice. The firm lawyers offer a full complement of Legal Services in the following practice areas: Property and Conveyancing Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, Tax Law, Constitutional/ Administrative Law, Competition Law, Contracts Law, Labour and Employment Law, Insurance Law, Intellectual Property Law, Notarial Practice, Family Law, Administrative and Public Law, Banking and Finance Law, Energy Law, Legal and Governance Audit, Probate, Succession and Trusts, General Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution, Consultancy on matters of law and Entertainment Law.

Firm Partners

Hannah Wangui Githuku is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya of 15 years standing and the Partner in charge of Legal Research, Conveyancing and Commercial Department. She holds a Masters Degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelors of Laws Degree from the University of Nairobi and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and one in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Human Resource Management. She is also a qualified Tax Agent. She has extensive high-level experience in Commercial matters, Conveyancing, Civil and Criminal litigation, Company Secretarial and Preparation and Reviews of Agreements for Sale, Leases, Transfers, Charges, Discharges of Charge, Chattel Mortgages, Debentures and Registration of Documents. She has recognized as one the top 100 lawyers in Real Estate and Finance Law in Kenya.

Dianah Wanjeri Githuku is the Partner in charge of Litigation, Consultancy, Taxation and Legal Audit Department, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya of 14 Years standing, a Tax Agent, a Patent Agent, a Notary Public and Commissioner of Oath. She holds Bachelors of Law Degree from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and is pursuing her Masters in Leadership and Governance. She has broad experience in litigation and commercial law gained working for leading firms and the legal department of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) where she prosecuted complex and high value tax cases on behalf of KRA in Commercial, Constitutional and Judicial Review Divisions and Tax Appeal Tribunal. She has vast training and exposure in negotiation, drafting and management of contract, oil and gas contracting and trial advocacy.

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Top 25 Law Firms in Kenya 2024: John Bwire & Associates

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John Bwire & Associates Advocates

Established in 2016

Number of Partners: 3

Number of Associates: 3

Principal Office: Mombasa

Download PDF: John Bwire & Associates Advocates Law Firm Profile

Practice Areas and Expertise

John Bwire & Associates Advocates is one of the most vibrant and well-established upcoming law firms in Kenya with rich diverse legal practices and a highly knowledgeable and experienced legal team. The firm specializes in Real estate law, International law, Matrimonial and family law, Personal injury and medical malpractice, Debt collection, Tax services, Aviation law, Commercial law, Insurance law, Conveyancing, Appellate Litigation, Law Tort and General negligence, Human rights law and practice, Employment and Labour Law and Practice, Arbitration and alternate dispute resolution, Admiralty and Maritime law and Judicial review of administrative and government action. The firm also offers specialist legal services including Patents and Copyrights, Trademarks, mining and prospecting, tax planning and establishment and registration of pension and provident funds.

John Bwire & Associates Advocates provides a comprehensive range of legal services to all its clients that spans across various sectors. The firm’s expertise spans across a number of industries and sectors, including leading corporate, banking and financial institutions, government parastatals and regulators, as well as high net-worth entrepreneurs.

John Bwire & Associates Advocates is structured into two departments – The Litigation Department which deals with all litigation and The Commercial and Conveyancing Department which deals with all non-litigation work. Clients’ work is allocated and supervised by the partner in charge of the Department in which the work is done. Where the client wishes to have a contact partner to whom all their work is referred in the first instance, the firm is glad to arrange for that.

The Firm’s Approach and Facilities

John Bwire & Partners Advocates is always driven by the commitment to ensure excellence in provision of legal services and strives to provide a complete legal and advisory solution to clients through tailormade insights and experience. John Bwire & Associates Advocates keeps close contact with clients to reman connected to them and intimately understand their individual and business legal needs to offer added value.

The firm has also built enviable connections with local regulators and accumulated wealth of experience of and insights in dealing with and handling local issues, regional and cross-border legal services in all business aspects across jurisdictions using a “one-stop shop” approach. In addition, the firm lawyers have cultivated commercial legal skills in specialist areas to serve local and international clients better at national, regional and global stage.

The has modern office facilities that include computerized word processing and accounting systems. The firm has invested to take advantage of the digital revolution and remote access and is accessible online and offline in maintaining the advocate-client relationship. The firm’s clientele entails local, regional and international businesses including listed companies, banking and financial institutions, insurance companies, private equity funds, venture capital and institutional equity investors, telecommunication companies, project developers and financiers, multilateral lenders, industrial and commercial companies, real estate developers, professional firms as well as government and public organizations.

The Firm’s People

John Bwire & Associates Advocates team comprises Managing partner and three (3) senior partners supported by 3 legal assistants and about a dozen support staff. The Managing Partner Hon John Bwire previously he worked as a partner at Kithi and Company Advocates and as an associate at the firm of Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates and the firm of Nchogu, Omwanza & Nyasimi Advocates. His practice mainly focuses on Civil and Commercial litigation in the Court of Appeal, High Court, Employment and Labour Relations Court, Subordinate courts, Business Premises Rent Tribunal and quasi-judicial bodies with a bias in land matters, labour /employment disputes, public law, banking and commercial disputes, insurance and personal injury claims, arbitration, family and succession and admiralty, maritime and shipping claims. The Other Partners of the firm are Patience Tumaini Lugo and Daniel Chokaa Muliro.

Contact John Bwire & Associates Advocates

Physical Address: Palli House, 4th Floor Nyerere Avenue

Postal Address: P.O Box 98731-80100 Mombasa

Telephone: +254 412 222 035 | +254 (0) 722 629 941

Cellphone: +254 (0) 726 003 750

Email: info@jblaw.co.ke / bwire@jblaw.co.ke

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