Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

Senior Partner: Kiragu Kimani SC

Managing Partner: Sigee Koech

Number of partners: 15

Number of associates: Approx 50

Languages: English, Kiswahili 

Firm Overview

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is one of Kenya’s largest law firms with a distinguished history of outstanding customer service and a tradition of excellence dating back to 1902. The firm has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in Kenya, which means clients benefit from a depth of understanding that underpins solution-driven advice. We have gained a reputation of being trusted legal advisors to both our local and our international clients across an array of practices and sectors.

Main Areas of Practice

Main Practice Areas:

• Banking & Finance
• Capital Markets
• Competition
• Corporate M&A
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• International Trade
• Private Client
• Projects & Infrastructure
• Real Estate & Construction
• Tax

Main Areas of Practice & Recent Transactions:  

Arbitration:  

The team has vast experience representing local and international clients in local and international arbitral proceedings.

Business Set-Up & Regulatory Compliance: 

The firm has extensive experience in assisting clients in setting up businesses and advising on regulatory and compliance requirements for various entities and sectors.

Banking & Finance: 

The firm acts for several local and international banks in financing transactions and banking-related litigation.

Experience: 

• Richard Omwela advised I&M Bank Limited on banking facilities to Tononoka Rolling Mills Limited
• Sigee Koech advised the lenders on facilities given to Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider

Competition/Anti-trust and M&A:  

The firm has extensive experience advising on all aspects of competition and merger control under Kenyan law and the COMESA Competition Regulations.

Experience: 

• Daniel Wanjau advised an agricultural service supply agency on Kenyan legislation on restrictive trade practices in the client’s standard distribution agreement
• Peter Okaalet Jr. advised 748 Air Services (Kenya) Limited in the acquisition of 49% of the issued share capital through an affiliate company
• Richard Omwela advised an investment company on the acquisition of 30% of the shareholding in a Mauritian holding company that will have a controlling stake over two Kenyan operating companies engaged in the supply chain of animal-sourced meats and related products
• Andrew Mugambi advised a beer manufacturer in the acquisition of 25% of its issued share capital by a South African company

Constitutional & Administrative Law: 

The firm has extensive expertise in constitutional and administrative law and has been involved in litigation that has generated public interest.

Experience:  

• Kiragu Kimani, SC is advising the Attorney General on the constitutionality of the President’s creation of the office of Chief Administrative Secretary
• Michi Kirimi is defending a Multinational footwear and fashion accessory company in a constitutional petition seeking orders to prevent the prosecution for counterfeiting the client’s shoes

Dispute Resolution & Litigation: 

The firm has been continuously ranked as a tier 1 firm in litigation and dispute resolution.

Experience:  

• Kiragu Kimani successfully represented a leading bank before the High Court in challenging KRA assessments of excise duty on various income streams
• Michi Kirimi has represented a company in the telecommunication industry in a complaint before the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal challenging our client’s data and unused internet bundles policy
• Ezra Makori successfully represented an international airline accused of breaching a contract for the provision of transport services

Employment & Immigration:  

The firm advises clients on employment and labour law issues and represents clients in employment-related litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes.

Experience: 

• Michi Kirimi is representing various clients in claims for constructive dismissal.
• Lorna Mainnah reviewed the leading provider of modern logistics and industrial properties in East Africa employment contracts to ensure legal compliance and advised on Kenyan labour laws developments
• Ezra Makori and Michi Kirimi have successfully represented multinational security services providers in numerous unfair termination claims brought by ex-employees

Projects and Energy:  

The firm has extensive experience in advising on power generation projects and oil and gas exploration and development.

Experience: 

• Dr Daniel Wanjau advised an international Chinese company on a proposed acquisition of 80% shareholding in a Kenyan geothermal company
• Andrew Mugambi advised a confidential client on the design, supply, and installation and commissioning of substations and medium voltage lines across Kenya
• Andrew Mugambi and Peter Okaalet Jr advised China Road and Bridge Corporation on the compliance of the Nairobi Express Way with public-private partnership legal framework and negotiated the Project Agreement

Real Estate, Planning & Environmental Law:  

The firm has a dedicated team of real estate lawyers.

Experience: 

• Adil Khawaja acts for a client in the mining industry in the purchase of 31 properties totalling approximately 1000 acres to start its mining operations
• Lorna Mainnah is acting for the seller of 123 properties totalling 933 acres of land in Nanyuki