Company formation and structuring
Incorporation of private companies, public companies, branches and LLPs under the Companies Act, 2015; advice on shareholding, share classes and shareholders' agreements; trustee structures for family wealth.
Commercial contracts
Sale of goods and services, distribution, agency, franchise, IT/SaaS, licensing, NDAs, employment contracts, and bespoke commercial agreements drawn to Kenyan law with sensible international defaults.
Joint ventures, M&A and investment
Term sheets, due diligence, share purchase and asset purchase agreements, joint venture structures, Competition Authority approvals, regulatory consents and post-closing integration support.
Corporate governance and compliance
Beneficial ownership filings, AGM and board administration, directors' duties, ODPC (Data Protection) registration, tax compliance and sector regulator engagements (CMA, IRA, CBK, Competition Authority).
Commercial disputes
Recovery of trade debts, breach of contract, shareholder disputes, restraint-of-trade enforcement and commercial arbitration under the Arbitration Act, 1995 and the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) Rules.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?+
A standard private limited company is typically incorporated within seven to fourteen working days via the eCitizen Business Registration Service, once name reservation and KYC documentation are complete.
Do I need a Kenyan resident director?+
The Companies Act, 2015 does not require a resident director for a private company, but at least one natural-person director is required and beneficial ownership must be disclosed to the Registrar within statutory timelines.
What is beneficial ownership disclosure?+
Companies are required to maintain and lodge with the Registrar a register of beneficial owners — natural persons who ultimately own or control more than 10% of the company. Failure to file attracts significant penalties.
Are oral contracts enforceable in Kenya?+
Many oral contracts are enforceable, but certain transactions — including any disposition of land — must be in writing under the Law of Contract Act. Written contracts are strongly preferred for evidentiary reasons.
How are commercial disputes resolved in Kenya?+
Options include negotiation, mediation, arbitration (under the Arbitration Act, 1995) and litigation in the Commercial & Tax Division of the High Court. Arbitration is increasingly preferred for cross-border and high-value matters.