DEPARTMENT PROFILE

DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM)

Banking & Finance

5 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Kenya

Global 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

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Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

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 Islamic financing. 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, securities and loan facilities, the firm's international reach is enhanced through its access to DLA Piper's network of international offices.

Strengths

One source praised the "coherent and well-functioning" lawyers at IKM Advocates, while another said: "They are dedicated and dependable experts in their field."

"IKM Advocates is a top-tier firm," according to one client. "This is a great team that works cohesively and offers solutions to legal issues."

Work highlights

Led by Anne Kinyanjui, IKM Advocates acted for KCB Bank, as the borrower, on a USD150 million loan facility provided by a syndicate of DFIs, including the International Finance Corporation.

Notable practitioners

Anne Kinyanjui has an impressive track record acting for leading international DFIs, as well as working for major domestic commercial and retail banks. Her expertise has also been engaged on major project and real estate finance mandates.
"Anne Kinyanjui is a very capable lawyer who is calm under pressure, commercial, well organised and a pleasure to work with." "She is a dedicated lawyer and willing to go the extra mile. She is particularly good at dealing with multiple stakeholders on a deal."

James Mburu Kamau is an experienced finance lawyer who receives plaudits for his advice on project finance and debt restructuring. His client following features a number of high-level retail banks and DFIs.
"He is very in tune with the market and knows who to engage with." "He is very strong in restructuring."

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 regulations.
"Kamami Christine Michira has phenomenal capital markets credentials."

Norah Mutuku advises on a range of issues, including bank securities and loan restructuring, as well as financial sector consolidation. She also has experience assisting clients with debt programmes, including MTN and bond issuances.
"She listens very closely to her clients and is receptive to feedback."

Department Information

This content is provided by DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM).

Overview

IKM has vast experience and industry insight in the specialist areas of banking and finance, enabling them to advise clients on all aspects of these business sectors. IKM advises on all aspects of financing including banking law, project finance, acquisition finance, general banking and financial services. We act for most of the top tier commercial banks in Kenya and a number of international banks on their security related documentation. Due to its noteable reputation in this field, the firm has been a leader in the preparation of standard bank security templates and documentation for a number of commercial banks and financial institutions. We have also developed expertise in Islamic finance and are on the panel of a number of banks offering Islamic financing products.