The disputes resolution department at DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates) leverages its significant sector expertise, including the tax, telecommunications, oil and gas, financial, energy, and retail sectors. The team is adept at representing clients in all circuits of Kenya’s courts, up to and including the Supreme Court. Kamau Karori directs the practice, is often retained in various commercial litigation and international arbitrations, and is praised by clients as ‘astute, humble, and wise’. Martin Munyu has a strong track record in alternative dispute resolution, while Milly Jalega is a key member of the team in constitutional and public disputes. Diana Ogula and Hiram Nyaburi are highly active in the team’s financial and cross-border disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kamau Karori SC - astute, humble, and wise. Still waters run deep. He listens to understand and is good with strategy.'

  • 'Milly Jalega - gets the hard work of drafting done. Leaves no stone unturned.’

  • ‘IKM is very professional in their approach in all respects to issues at hand and we are always satisfied with the firm.’

  • ‘IKM is a diverse law firm that one would ordinarily get quick advice on in nearly any facet of the law. Commercial dispute resolution is their key strength.’

  • ‘I have been able to work with Diana Ogula and Hiram Nyaburi and they are both meticulous in their work and very knowledgeable. I trust them with the briefs that I instruct them out and they have always delivered.’

Key clients

  • Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
  • Supreme Court of Kenya
  • International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
  • Absa Bank Kenya PLC
  • East Africa Breweries Limited
  • Kenya Breweries Limited
  • UDV Kenya Limited
  • Strathmore University
  • NCBA Group PLC
  • Kenya Pipeline Company
  • Equity Bank Limited
  • Telkom Kenya Limited
  • Kenya Airports Authority
  • Government of Kenya-Office of the Attorney General
  • Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa
  • Cooperative Bank of Kenya Limited
  • Urysia Limited
  • Les Bailie & Martin David Spink

Work highlights

  • Acted in a dispute arising out of, inter alia, the alleged unlawful expropriation by the Government of Zanzibar of the Claimants’ investment of approximately USD55m in a project to develop a five-star resort in the island of Unguja, Zanzibar by Pennyroyal.
  • Represented the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kenya, the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Kenya, and the Judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya in three different petitions filed in Constitutional Division of the High Court by the Law Society of Kenya and several advocates.
  • Represented Kenya Breweries Limited, a leading manufacturer of branded beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages in Kenya, in a petition filed in the High Court.

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.

Kamau Karori SC

Other key lawyers

Diana Ogula, Martin Munyu, Milly Jalega, Hiram Nyaburi