With a strong track record in contentious matters Oraro & Company Advocates‘s employee and labour department is hailed for its ’in depth analysis’, and operates in various disputes and claims pertaining to redundancies, particularly senior employees, breach of contract claims, and contentious cases regarding employee benefits and pensions, among other areas. Chacha Odera heads the team, and boasts over 35 years of experience in employee and labour law, including for international clients. John Mbaluto is a key port of call for trade union-related employment matters, alongside employee benefits and pensions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Expert advice, professional representation, prompt updates, responsive and available for consultation.’

  • ‘In Kenya, one of the biggest challenges as an employer is to win against an employee in the Employment court. The firm is very keen and meticulous when handling such matters.'

  • 'They carry out in depth analysis, research and have regular meetings to ensure an alignment on strategy. Where they believe a case is weak, they advise accordingly so that an organization can make the necessary decision.’

  • ‘John Mbaluto - informed and excellent case management.'

  • ‘They are well versed with the law and the general practice of employment law.'

  • 'They are approachable, available and ready to share knowledge.’

  • ‘Proactive by sharing tips to avert any unlawful terminations.'

  • 'Provides sound legal advice and are instrumental in mediation on employment matters.’

Key clients

  • TelPosta Pension Scheme
  • National Bank of Kenya
  • Kenya Railways Corporation
  • The Honourable Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya
  • Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited
  • Kenya Medical Supplies Authority
  • Jubilee Insurance Company of Kenya Limited
  • Kenya National Union of Teachers
  • AIG Kenya Insurance Company
  • CIC Insurance Company
  • Airtel Kenya
  • Housing Finance Company

Work highlights

  • Acting for the pension scheme in defending a judgment by the Retirement Benefits Appeals Tribunal for unpaid retirement dues of approximately Kshs13.4bn by former employees of Telkom Kenya Limited.
  • Acted for Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited and the Trustees of the Standard Chartered Staff Retirement Pension Scheme in proceedings that commenced before the Chief Executive Officer of the Retirement Benefits Authority, who found that the benefits of the former employees of the Bank had been properly computed and dismissed the complaint.
  • Representing the National Bank of Kenya against three separate class action claims in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, for the recalculation of terminal benefits arising from voluntary early retirement taken by its former employees.

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.

Chacha Odera

Other key lawyers

John Mbaluto