Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews > Nairobi, Kenya > Firm Profile
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews Offices
1ST FLOOR, DELTA OFFICE SUITES, BLOCK A, OFF WAIYAKI WAY, MUTHANGARI
PO BOX 30333-00100
NAIROBI
Kenya
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Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews > The Legal 500 Rankings
Kenya > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
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:
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).
Kenya > Dispute resolution Tier 1
The dispute resolution practice at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is routinely retained in complex litigation and arbitration by an array of corporate clients from the banking, insurance, energy, construction, retail, and public sectors. Distinct specialisations in competition, constitutional and administrative, tax, and regulated industry law form core pillars of work for the team. Banking, insurance, and IP expert Michi Kirimi now heads the team, supported by the tax and real estate-focused Kiragu Kimani and commercial and employment specialist Ezra Makori.Practice head(s):
Michi Kirimi
Other key lawyers:
Kiragu Kimani; Ezra Makori; Wilson Mwihuri; Queenton Ochieng’; Lawson Ondieki
Testimonials
‘Best service quality.’
‘The team is hard-working and delivers an excellent service.’
‘Excellent service delivery to clients. They give great client care through the provision of swift updates on the progress of matters handled and meet strict client and court deadlines.’
‘They have excellent judgement, analytical skills and are able to spot points of weaknesses in the client’s as well as opponents’ case and address the same. In addition, they are creative and able to provide solutions that are practical and out of the box; good research and writing skills.’
‘Great interpersonal skills and very patient with clients.’
Key clients
Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited
Vivo Energy Kenya Limited
The Heritage Insurance Company Limited
Powerchina International Group Limited
Stecol Corporation
Majid Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Limited
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation
British Army Training Unit Kenya
Parklane Construction Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a construction engineering company in a suit alleging damages of KSh450m alleged to have been suffered as a result of their quarrying activities.
- Acted for the British Army Training Unit in Kenya in defending a constitutional petition instituted before the Environment & Land Court by over 1,500 claimants alleging that a fire that started as a result of a military training exercise had affected the claimants and violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
- Acted for a prominent hypermarket chain in the country in an appeal to the High Court from the judgment of the Competition Tribunal upholding the decision of the Competition Authority which had imposed certain sanctions on the client.
Kenya > Employment Tier 1
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:
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.
Kenya > Privatisation and projects Tier 1
Leveraging a broad network of key sector contacts, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews routinely assists government departments, non-governmental organisations, and private sector sponsors and developers. The practice complements its hefty reputation in large-scale, high-profile PPPs with a strategic focus on energy and infrastructure projects. Practice head Andrew Mugambi works closely with the Kenyan PPP Directorate on nationally significant projects and concessions, and is supported by Peter Okaalet Jr., who has an excellent reputation in both traditional and renewable energy projects.Practice head(s):
Andrew Mugambi
Other key lawyers:
Peter Okaalet Jr.; Ralia Mohamud
Key clients
Directorate of Public Private Partnerships
Kenya Defence Forces
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Defence and the Directorate of Public Private Partnership, on a project for the design, development, building and financing of residential accommodation and other associated support facilities for the Kenya Defence Forces across multiple locations in Kenya.
- Advised China Road and Bridge Corporation on a public-private partnership project in Kenya aimed at resolving the long-standing water scarcity issue, involving the construction of a water dam on the Ndarugu River in Kiambu county, near Nairobi.
Kenya > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Particularly active in the banking, logistics, and tech sectors, Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is well-versed in M&A, private equity, competition, and antitrust law, capital markets, and regulatory advice and compliance. Practice head Richard Omwela has a strong track record advising on corporate mergers, while the trio of Andrew Mugambi, Daniel Wanjau Muriu, and Peter Okaalet Jr cover the breadth of M&A transactions, competition, and merger control, as well as private equity matters.Practice head(s):
Richard Omwela
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E.
Rongai Workshop and Transport Limited
Viasat Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (CIB) on its acquisition of the remaining 49% shareholding in Mayfair CIB Bank Limited.
- Advised Shareholders of Rongai Workshop & Transport Limited, the second-largest road transport company in Kenya (based on regional destinations served), on the sale of 100% of of its issued shares to an affiliate of Velogic Logistics Limited.
- Advised Viasat Inc. on the subscription for a 70% stake in a Kenyan company, Simba Broadcasting Limited.
Kenya > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Processing a high volume of real estate sale and purchase transactions, the dedicated team at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews advises on all relevant aspects of conveyancing, projects, planning, construction, regulatory, and compliance mandates. Lorna Mainnah leads the practice, and fields extensive expertise in large-scale conveyancing matters and complex commercial transactions, while managing partner Adil Khawaja has in-depth knowledge of real estate and planning law. Nancy Gitau assists with large-scale conveyancing transactions, including transfer and financing.Practice head(s):
Lorna Mainnah
Other key lawyers:
Adil Khawaja; Nancy Gitau; Deborah Ontiri
Testimonials
‘They provide practical solutions.’
‘Lorna Mainnah is hands on and very knowledgeable. She is also very easily accessible.’
‘Personalised service.’
Key clients
Africa Logistics Properties
Nanyuki Ranching Limited
Hewton Limited
Riverglades Properties LLP
MTK Group
Plumbing Systems Limited and Flammatech Limited
Immo80 Kenya Limited
Eezy Track Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Hewton Limited on the structuring and management of a development comprising a commercial area and a residential area with 200 houses in one of Nairobi’s prestigious suburbs, worth approximately KSh2bn.
- Advised Nanyuki Ranching Limited in the subdivision of a property in Nanyuki, Laikipia County measuring 4,738 acres and its subsequent sale to various purchasers, a deal worth approximately KSh2,2bn.
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews > Firm Profile
The firm: Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is one of Kenya’s highly acclaimed law firms, with a tradition of excellence dating back to 1902. We have built up a reputation as an innovative, experienced, responsive and highly-skilled firm with the capacity and technical expertise to offer practical legal solutions to both corporate and individual clients. We are one of Kenya’s largest law firms with a dedicated team comprised of 16 Partners and over 40 Associates who are supported by a team of over 80 legal assistants, administrative and paralegal staff. We offer legal services to clients all over Kenya and have our primary office in Nairobi and a second office in Mombasa.
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews provides a full range of legal services to an extensive client base which includes local and foreign companies, individuals, state corporations and Non-Governmental Organizations.
Recent experience:
Banking and finance: Advised Africa Logistics Properties on its $26m financing from Stanbic Bank Kenya and Standard Chartered Bank South Africa.
Dispute resolution: Represented the Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission in challenges against its investigation into allegations of corruption made against several prominent personalities.
Employment: Advised an acquaculture business on a restructuring process, which required redundancies and acted in a subsequent case brought by one of the employees seeking damages and reinstatement.
IP: The firm handles a large portfolio of IP work for international and local clients such as Merck, Anheuser Busch, Abu Ghazaleh Intellectual Property, Adams & Adams, Rotam Agrochem International Limited, eBay Inc, Commercial Bank of Africa Limited, Reed Smith and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Privatization and Projects: Advised PricewaterhouseCoopers (Japan) and the World Bank Group on a study on the resilience of PPP infrastructure in Kenya.
Real estate: Advised ALP North Two on the negotiation and preparation of the sub-leases connected to Kenya’s first grade A logistic and distribution warehouse park.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Richard Omwela | ||
Litigation | Ken Fraser | ||
Litigation | Kiragu Kimani | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Adil Khawaja | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Andrew Mugambi | ||
Litigation | Michi Kirimi | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Daniel Wanjau Muriu | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Lorna Mainnah | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Sigee Koech | ||
Litigation | Ezra Makori | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Peter Okaalet Jr | ||
Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate | Nancy Gitau |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ms Nancy Gitau KC | Partner Nancy is a Partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews. She… | View Profile | |
Mr Adil Khawaja | Partner. Adil Khawaja has two decades’ experience and in-depth knowledge in real… | View Profile | |
Mr Kiragu Kimani | Senior Partner Kiragu has over three decades experience in constitutional matters, tax… | View Profile | |
Ms Michi Kirimi | Partner Michi has over two decades’ experience in successfully guiding her clients… | View Profile | |
Ms Sigee Koech KC | Managing Partner Sigee is the managing partner in Dentons Hamilton Harrison &… | View Profile | |
Lorna Mainnah | Partner Lorna has over 15 years’ experience in real estate, environmental and… | View Profile | |
Mr Ezra Makori KC | Partner Ezra is a partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews. He… | View Profile | |
Mr Andrew Mugambi | Partner Andrew Mugambi specialises in corporate and commercial law work including mergers… | View Profile | |
Dr Daniel Muriu Wanjau | Partner Daniel is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya having… | View Profile | |
Mr Peter Okaalet Jr | Partner Peter is a partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews. He is… | View Profile | |
Mr Richard Omwela | Partner Richard Omwela has been in legal practice for over four decades… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 60Languages
English SwahiliMemberships
Law Society of KenyaOther
Contacts : Senior partner: Richard Omwela ([email protected]) Contacts : Managing partner: Adil Khawaja ([email protected]) Other offices : Mombasa- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Privatisation and projects
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Real estate and construction