DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)

Join us tomorrow as our Partner, Kamami Michira, moderates an insightful panel discussion on the 2025 Regional Outlook Webinar Series focusing on East Africa, organized by Invest Africa Ltd. Discover the region’s growth potential, challenges, and investment opportunities, including strategies to navigate inflation and debt sustainability, the impact of Ethiopia's financial liberalization and the entry of international banks and Kenya's position as a regional fintech hub, driven by mobile money and technological innovation. Click the link below to register and be part of the discussion: https://lnkd.in/dWTR3sVm

At DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates) we are committed to identifying and nurturing exceptional talent within the legal profession. We believe in empowering the next generation of lawyers to excel, innovate, and uphold the highest standards of legal practice. Join us in extending a warm welcome to the IKM pupillage 2025 cohort as they embark on this exciting journey in their legal careers. 

The Supreme Court of Kenya has, finally, added its voice to the clamour for the repeal of the largely redundant law governing commercial leases in Kenya, the Tenant (Shops, Hotel and Catering Establishments) Act, 1965. In a decision rendered on 6 December 2024 in Petition No. E001 of 2024; Kwanza Estates Limited versus Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology the Court determined that notwithstanding the absence of a termination clause in a commercial lease, tenants may still terminate the lease without thereby becoming liable for payment of rent for the unexpired term of the lease provided that they give notice (or pay rent in lieu) equivalent to the agreed rental intervals. This decision provides much-needed relief to tenants of commercial premises who have hitherto been locked in long leases for premises that they no longer require or can afford. In an article published in the Business Daily on 23 December 2024, our Senior Partner William Maema renews his call for the repeal of the obsolete statute. Click o this link to access the article: https://lnkd.in/d4HsfHSm

Unfair terminations are remedied through orders for monetary compensation and in some cases, orders compelling the employer to reinstate the employee into their former position without loss of benefits or salaries. While the employment relationship is cemented by trust and confidence, reinstatement does not necessarily restore lost trust. Other than in the public sector where employees can be redeployed in different roles and stations, reinstatement creates challenges in enforcement. As structured, employment contracts are not couched to last forever; they provide for exit and termination clauses. The optimum compensation is an award of monetary damages as opposed to reinstatement. As our laws continue to develop, it is now time that steps are taken to retire the order of reinstatement from our books. In the article “Futility of Reinstatement Order”, published in the Business Daily, Martin Munyu and Betty Kariuki explore this grey remedy in our employment practice and propose changes to the law. You can access the article on this link : https://lnkd.in/duvihHnC

DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates) joined the legal community in celebrating exceptional achievements at the 2024 C.B. Madan Prize Awards and Memorial Lecture by Prof Luis Franceschi. Our Senior Partner, William Maema awarded prizes to the best overall male and female finalists - Gregory Theuri Muchura and Amelia Achieng Midwa. Congratulations to the winners and the entire Strathmore Law School Class of 2024! We also congratulate Ms. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, who received the C.B. Madan Prize for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism. At DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates), we remain committed to fostering excellence in legal education and practice. This event highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting the next generation of legal professionals, who will undoubtedly shape the future of law and justice. We commend Strathmore Law School, its partners, and all contributors for organizing such an impactful event.

Our senior Partner - Kamau Karori SC, MBS, C. ARB, was recognized as a Highly Impactful Individual in Arbitration Last week during the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya) Alternative Dispute Resolution Excellence Awards 2024. This accolade highlights his exceptional expertise, dedication, and contributions to advancing arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Kenya and beyond. Kamau Karori SC, MBS, C. ARB's impact in the field reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and upholding the highest standards in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 

We are delighted to share that our lawyers have been recognized by IFLR1000 as Highly Regarded, Women Leaders and Rising Stars. We have maintained our Tier 1 ranking in the areas of Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets, and achieved excellent rankings in Project Development, Banking and Finance. This prestigious recognition from IFLR1000 underscores the exceptional contributions of our lawyers in navigating complex and cutting-edge matters, and the trust that our clients have bestowed upon us. Congratulations to our dedicated team for their remarkable achievements! James Kamau Beatrice Nyabira David Lekerai Anne Kinyanjui Kamami Michira Norah Mutuku Judy Muigai Esabel Gicheru Christine Murangi John mwangi

The legal profession in Africa has made strides in gender equity. However, women still face challenges that hinder career progression. DLA Piper Africa and Standard Chartered Bank Africa are seeking applications from women lawyers who would like to be mentored under the African Women Lawyers Mentorship Programme. This programme aims to close that equity gap by connecting experienced mentors with mentees, to foster personal and professional growth. The programme will launch in January 2025 and continue for 8 months until September 2025. This 8-month initiative aims to support women lawyers in Kenya with 1–3 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), helping them build confidence, advance their careers, and address challenges unique to the legal profession. The time commitment is approximately 30 hours across 8 months, including training, mentoring sessions, and feedback. Applications are open until 30 November 2024. Click the link below to learn more and apply! Application Link: https://lnkd.in/dVMhTunN Deadline: 30 November 2024

We are proud to announce that Kamau Karori SC, MBS, C. ARB, Senior Partner at DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates), was awarded ADR Practitioner of the Year 2024 at the Nairobi Legal Awards ceremony held on 22nd November 2024. This award is an acknowledgement of his commitment to the growth and advancement of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the trust of our clients and community. Congratulations, Kamau Karori SC, MBS, C. ARB!

We are delighted to celebrate the incredible achievement of our Senior Partner, William Maema, on his being named by the Nairobi Legal Awards not only as the Commercial Lawyer Practitioner of the Year but also the Lawyer of the Year 2024! This coveted recognition in both categories represents more than just individual success—it is a reflection of the values and vision that define DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates). William’s ’s remarkable contribution in the field of commercial law practice, combined with his leadership at DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates), have shaped our reputation as a leading business law firm not only in Kenya but the greater East African region. William’s work and its recognition serves as an inspiration to our team and a reminder of what is possible when passion meets excellence. Congratulations, William! Here’s to building a legacy that inspires present and future generations of great commercial lawyers.