Department profile
Bowmans

Banking & Finance

Global Guide 2026 : Kenya


Bowmans

Rankings

About

Provided by Bowmans

We are recognised as a leading adviser on banking and finance law in Sub-Saharan Africa and a market-leader in innovation, documentation standards and best practice.

We specialise in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions and have extensive knowledge of leveraged and acquisition finance, structured finance, capital markets, project and real estate finance,  derivatives, securitisation, preference share finance, subordinated debt and insolvency and restructuring.

Our expertise extends to bilateral and syndicated loans, guarantee and security issues and regulatory matters including the establishment of banks and the carrying on of lending and investment banking activities within Sub-Saharan Africa.

We have acted for a range of local and foreign banks and insurance companies and our lawyers have been involved in some of the most important banking, insurance and finance transactions in recent years in Kenya. In recent times, we have also acted for insolvency and business rescue practitioners.

Our specialist services include; debt and equity securities; regulatory compliance; acquisition finance; project finance; real estate finance and real estate generally; structured finance; syndicated lending transactions; trade finance; asset finance; and secured and unsecured lending.

Clients (5)

  • Prime Bank Limited
  • Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited
  • Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limted

Industries (2)

  • local and foreign banks
  • Insurance companies

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - Kenya

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bowmans has a stellar banking and finance practice in Kenya, with a strong track record of working on sophisticated and high-value deals. The team is well equipped to advise on the full gamut of transactional and regulatory mandates, including trade and project finance, debt restructuring and syndicated lending. The firm has an excellent reputation in cross-border transactions both in Africa and beyond, supported by the regional Bowmans network of offices. The Nairobi team also has notable experience of debt capital markets work.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans acted for KCB Bank Kenya on its provision of a KES10.7 billion loan facility to Kenya National Trading Corporation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans is a top-tier law firm in Kenya. The team has deep expertise and is internationally connected.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans has a very knowledgeable and client-focused team. They fully understand the commercial dynamics and offer practical solutions that cater to our needs.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • They are very good in banking and finance, in particular for international clients operating at a very high level. They are great with agreements; they are very practical and good on the detail.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • The team demonstrate diligence and professionalism, and are well versed with the ever-changing legal landscape. Their exceptional expertise and strategic insight lead to success in our endeavours.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Eminent PractitionersParas Shah
    Eminent PractitionersParas Shah

    Paras Shah

    Paras Shah acts as a key contact and partner to a large number of established investment banks and financial institutions. He is well reputed in Kenya for the breadth of his practice, covering project, property and development finance.

    • Paras is very good at structuring deals and quick to come up with a solution for any challenge. He is sound both in terms of his business understanding and his legal knowledge.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • Paras is an adept leader of the firm in Kenya who continues to contribute greatly, not only to the Bowmans team but also to the Kenyan legal sector as a whole.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Cornelius Kigera
    Band 2Cornelius Kigera

    Cornelius Kigera

    Cornelius Kigera demonstrates consistent involvement in the firm's key mandates, including the advancement of financing facilities. His broad client following includes a range of retail and development banks, as well as asset managers and investment companies.

    • Cornelius is a professional par excellence.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • He has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment and the utmost attention to detail. His proactive approach, responsiveness and thorough understanding of complex issues has been invaluable.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • Cornelius is pleasant to work with. He remains easily accessible and is very pragmatic and market-astute.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Dominic Indokhomi
    Band 2Dominic Indokhomi

    Dominic Indokhomi

    Dominic Indokhomi runs a broad banking practice, advising on project, real estate and corporate finance. He also impresses for his work in the financing of startup enterprises, particularly in the fintech sector.

    • Dominic adeptly advises on banking and finance matters, demonstrating a sophisticated skill level each time.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • He is very switched-on in terms of Kenyan regulatory issues, especially in the banking sector. He's quick to provide actionable solutions and is aware of the new regulations coming up.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • Dominic is my go-to person for this scope of work. He is calm, level-headed and very approachable.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • SpotlightJoyce Mbui
    SpotlightJoyce Mbui

    Joyce Mbui

    Joyce Mbui advises a wide range of clients, including leading regional banks, on matters relating to restructuring and insolvency, including liquidation proceedings.

    • Joyce is dependable and highly knowledgeable.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Bowmans (4)

Kenya

Members

Provided by Bowmans

Bowmans has rankings in the following guides

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