Janet Othero

Practice Areas

Janet Othero advises on the regulatory and governance frameworks that shape digital financial services in Kenya. Her work covers PSP, DCP and VASP licensing, payments compliance, digital lending governance, reporting frameworks, regulatory interpretation, data protection, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence governance. She is known for her clarity, practicality and ability to translate complex regulatory expectations into actionable steps for clients.

Janet works closely with investors, payment companies, digital lenders, virtual asset platforms, banks, mobile money operators and global technology entrants. She supports clients from the initial licensing and approval stage through to ongoing compliance, regulatory engagement and operational design.

Her regulatory leadership forms one pillar of Cavendrys’ broader Technology, Telecoms, Data, FinTech, IP and Innovation practice. She works alongside Partner Catherine Kariuki Mulika, who leads the firm’s commercial transactions, technology contracting, digital infrastructure and innovation strategy work. This integrated structure allows clients to receive end to end support across commercial, transactional and regulatory matters

Professional Memberships

Law Society of Kenya

Certified Information Privacy Manager (IAPP)

Certified Data Protection Officer

Work Highlights

Tech M&A & Corporate Structuring

Advised a leading technology infrastructure company on a 100% share transfer within a group restructuring. Led a multi-jurisdictional IP protection strategy for a financial institution expanding across nine African countries.

Regulatory & Dispute Resolution

Represented a global transport technology company in a regulatory dispute and data protection audit proceedings. Provided regulatory counsel to a global online marketplace on data protection and licensing engagement with Kenyan regulators.

Telecoms & Technology Infrastructure

Advised a telecom infrastructure company on contracting, advertising compliance, and employment structuring. Provided legal support in core banking infrastructure negotiations for a major financial institution, handling service-level agreements and vendor engagements.

Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity

Advised a global education provider on data breach response, regulatory engagement, and risk mitigation strategies. Provided compliance and marketing structuring advice to a European technology company on data protection in targeted digital marketing. Conducted data protection advisory, regulatory audit support, and compliance drafting for a leading global fintech, ensuring adherence to Kenyan privacy regulations.

Fintech, Digital Banking & Payments

Advised a digital lending platform on market entry and licensing as a Digital Credit Provider, handling regulatory approvals, operational structuring, and full compliance documentation. Also provided corporate governance and operational compliance support, ensuring alignment with fintech regulatory requirements. Negotiated and structured fintech vendor contracts for a major pan-African bank, enabling seamless integration of digital banking solutions.

Regulatory & Public Sector Advisory

Provided legal support to a development agency on a regulatory initiative supporting Kenya’s Data Protection Authority (ODPC) in drafting compliance guidelines for SMEs. Advised on intellectual property protection for a media-backed initiative, ensuring journalists’ investigative work was legally protected before publication. Supported a global fintech firm in obtaining regulatory approvals from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), ensuring compliance with Kenya’s gaming laws for fintech-related operations. Provided regulatory engagement support and compliance advisory.

Training & Compliance Advisory

Regularly conduct training programs for corporates and government entities on data protection, ICT contracting, and regulatory compliance best practices.