Bowmans‘s real estate department is noted by clients for fielding a ’very knowledgeable and collaborative team’ and is sought after by clients for its extensive experience in major real estate mandates, including most master plan projects in Kenya, construction transactions, disputes, and contracts, including energy and infrastructure projects. The team is also known for its strong presence in environmental and conservation matters, frequently being retained by environmental NGOs, along with negotiating commercial leases for local and international clients. Cornelius Kigera heads the team, and boasts considerable conveyancing, construction, and commercial real estate matters. He is ably assisted by Alex Njage, a specialist in complex real estate and master planning matters. Simon Kiriba is another key member of the team for construction contracting and dispute resolution.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They have experience, knowledge and availability for the Client.'

  • ‘Simon Kiriba has the right experience for the project and he also makes himself available to attend when is needed, compliying with the defined deadlines.’

  • ‘Great people at Bowman’s - polite and respectful, thorough, innovative advise - ahead of the curve. Always up to date with dynamic local legal context.’

  • ‘Alex Njage - always willing to go the extra mile - calm, patient and charming. Ready to listen and discuss issues and ideas. Consistently available for quick updates and calls. Very thorough and current.'

  • ‘Great expertise in real estate and construction law.'

  • ‘Understanding of African market realities and risk reflected in their commercial and billing attitudes. Great professionalism yet very reachable.’

  • ‘Very knowledgeable and collaborative team. The attention to detail is also quite exceptional.’

  • 'Simon Kiriba went above and beyond in preparing construction agreements that matched our needs exactly. He was also quite easy to reach and collaborative too.’

Key clients

  • Tatu City Limited
  • Tatu City Phase 2 SEZ Limited
  • Superior Homes (Kenya) PLC
  • IHS
  • Base Titanium
  • Game Ranching Limited
  • BW LPG
  • Great Plains Conservancy Ltd
  • Suyian Ranch Limited
  • Loisaba Conservancy
  • Lolldaiga Conservancy
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • IX Africa Data Centre Limited
  • Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa
  • Printcare Packaging East Africa Limited
  • Domino Investments Limited
  • Maisha Housing Limited
  • Skanem Developments Nairobi Limited
  • Ecograf Limited
  • Vantage Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Base Titanium Limited on matters relating to settlement of persons displaced by their mining activities and closure of their mining operations in Kwale, Kenya.
  • Advised Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on the acquisition of control over various properties measuring approximately 37,000 acres with an aim of creating a model and catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat.
  • Advising HCB on the major refurbishment of the 1,420 kilometres high voltage direct current transmission lines superhighway from the HCB power plant in Songo, North Mozambique to Apollo power station in Pretoria, South Africa.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Cornelius Kigera

Other key lawyers

Alex Njage, Simon Kiriba