Leveraging its access to the DLA Piper network, Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates boasts a broad client portfolio of household names across financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, nutrition, and FMCG. Delivering results across the whole range of corporate and commercial mandates, from M&A, project finance and private equity, to structuring, compliance and auditing support, the practice is regularly involved in large-scale transactions throughout the region. David Lekerai deftly navigates the spheres of M&A, private equity and corporate advisory, heading a team comprised of managing partner and corporate law authority James Kamau, capital markets and financial regulatory expert Kamami Christine Michira, developing markets specialist Ashley Zefira, and commercial and tax expert William Maema.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Professional, timely and precise.’

  • ‘They understand our goals and are willing to provide insights.’

  • ‘Their client-centric process and approach with a keen focus on understanding client needs and providing the best possible solutions at a competitive cost is greatly appreciated. They have great local context understanding, especially in East Africa.’

  • ‘The individuals are competent, well-trained and highly knowledgeable in their areas of specialisation. They also have a good grasp of client relations.’

  • ‘There are very few firms in Kenya that have their capabilities in warranty and indemnity insurance matters.’

  • ‘David Lekerai is a very experienced lawyer with considerable knowledge.’

  • ‘IKM is operating above board, they know their stuff and it makes it easy for the client to understand the process and appreciate the content involved.’

  • ‘The individuals are very knowledgeable and respond to clients' needs on time. Availability to the client is a big thing. Frankness on matters legal. Where things are not workable, they let us know and we’e able to offer alternatives.’

Key clients

  • TransCentury PLC
  • Hillcrest Investments Limited & HIL Holdings Limited
  • Diani Beach Hospital Limited
  • Valley Hospital Limited and its shareholders
  • CMI Africa Holdings BV
  • General Electric Company
  • Flamingo Horticulture Investments Limited (a member of the Flamingo Group)
  • KCB Group PLC

Work highlights

  • Advised 31 minority shareholders of Mayfair CIB Bank Limited on the sale to Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (CIB) of 49% of the share capital of MCBL owned by the minority shareholders, upon completion of which transaction, MCBL became a wholly owned subsidiary of CIB, which previously held 51%.
  • Advised TransCentury PLC on its rights issue and subsequent change of control, resulting in it being controlled by Kuramo Africa Opportunity Kenyan Vehicle Ltd.
  • Advised Hillcrest Investments Limited and HIL Holdings Limited in connection with the sale and transfer of its assets and business to Braeburn Schools Limited.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Lekerai

Other key lawyers

James Kamau, Kamami Christine Michira, Ashley Zefira, William Maema, John Mwangi, Michael Okeyo, Timothy Mukiti, Deborah Sese, Trishala Devani