Banking & Finance

DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM) is a leading Kenyan law firm with a significant trade and project finance practice. The team advises a number of DFIs, regional banks and borrower clients, notably in structuring syndicated lending transactions and restructuring mandates. Particularly active in real estate and construction lending, the department also has experience handling acquisition finance and securities. A frequent fixture in cross-jurisdictional transactions, including project financing and loan facilities, the firm's international reach is enhanced through its access to DLA Piper's network of international offices.

"IKM has excellent knowledge of local capital markets regulations and provides sound advice. It offers practical solutions and we benefit from the depth of experience of its partners."

"The firm's turnaround times exceed expectations."

"The team demonstrates superior experience and awareness of the commercial terms needed by my organisation. It is because of this that the negotiations and outcome were as per our expectations."

"The firm has very skilled and competent resources for banking and finance work. It shows the ability to interrogate transactions deeply and helps us identify risks."

IKM advised KCB Bank on the USD150 million loan from International Finance Corporation to fund renewable energy projects.

Anne Kinyanjui has an impressive track record of acting for leading international DFIs, as well as working for major domestic commercial and retail banks on loan agreements and debt financing. Her expertise has also been engaged on major project and real estate finance mandates. "She gets to the heart of the matter very quickly and gives excellent, to-the-point advice on what our options are, and the pros and cons of each of them." "Anne Kinyanjui is commercial and has the unparalleled capacity to manage sophisticated and sensitive clients with little to no intervention." "She is good in negotiations and in closing the matter." "She is a strong and capable partner." "Anne Kinyanjui is resourceful and excellent in what she does. She is a go-to person for issues in her area of practice."

Climbing the rankings is Norah Mutuku who advises on a range of issues, including bank securities, loan agreements and restructuring, as well as financial sector consolidation. She also has experience assisting clients with debt programmes, including MTN and bond issuances. "Norah Mutuku is highly skilled, experienced and resourceful, with quick and fast turnarounds." "Her level of understanding and effortless breakdown of complex issues endeared her to us. She is easily reachable and accommodating." "Norah Mutuku is responsive and knowledgeable." "She is quick and eager to handle transactions."

James Mburu Kamau is an experienced finance lawyer who is recognised for his advice on project finance and debt restructuring and recovery. His client following features a number of high-level retail banks and DFIs. "James Mburu Kamau is always able to give guidance when there are impasses and to show the direction certain conundrums should take to be resolved." "He is very knowledgeable, calm and a great leader." "James Mburu Kamau is very astute, particularly in engagement with several stakeholders, and can build consensus amongst several parties."

Kamami Christine Michira maintains a broad banking and finance practice, covering asset and trade finance, as well as capital markets. Her capital markets experience is particularly highly regarded, covering debt and equity transactions, as well as regulatory work. "Kamami Michira has excellent, in-depth knowledge of local capital markets regulations and practices. She offers practical solutions."

Judy Muigai makes her debut in the rankings with positive market support. She is often sought out by local and regional banks to assist with restructuring and debt recovery mandates. "Judy Muigai is an easily accessible legal expert with a deep understanding of restructuring matters." "Judy Muigai has a good way of connecting the legal and commercial aspects to get a seamless solution." "I am very happy with Judy Muigai's service."