IKM is active in a number of private and public sectors of the Kenyan economy. Through the firm’s alliance with the DLA Piper Group internationally and DLA Piper Africa, IKM is uniquely positioned to handle legal matters in Kenya as well as those that extend cross-border.

Bank Securities and Finance

Debt is a significant source of financing in an upward economy such as Kenya.

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 acts for 20 commercial banks, a number of which are the top tier banks in Kenya.

Overview

IKM’s alliance with the global DLA Piper Group provides the firm with an advantageous platform to deliver international advice with the best local resources to ensure that clients are provided with advice that is steeped in local understanding and international best practice. 

The synergy between DLA Piper and IKM leaves us especially well-placed to manage the diverse legal issues and new product structures that may arise from time to time. 

Our services

  • Asset finance
  • Debt finance
  • Finance law
  • Insolvency
  • Islamic banking
  • Legal advisory
  • Mortgages (real estate finance)
  • Project finance
  • Regulatory compliance with the Banking Act and the CBK prudential guidelines
  • Structured finance
  • Syndicated lending
  • Trade finance

Experience

  • Advised a consortium of six lenders on US$350 million debt financing to Kenya Pipeline Company Limited for the replacement of a multi-product pipeline.

  • Advised African Development Bank in the review of a Facility Agreement. Provided a legal opinion in connection with a line of credit facility to Africa’s trade and development financial institution, Preferential Trade Area Bank (PTA Bank), for the sum of US$50 million.

  • Advised African Development Bank in connection with its line of credit facility to Shleter Afrique of up to US$20 million.

  • Advised International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund). The transaction entailed each party investing US$5 million in a company incorporated in South Sudan, by way of debt (the aggregate amount was US$ 10 million).

  • Advised a reputable financial institution in Kenya in the preparation and registration of securities over a company’s assets worth Kshs.1.3 billion (approximately US$15 million).

  • Prepared asset finance standard agreements for use by a leading commercial bank in Kenya.

  • Carried out extensive reviews and redrafting of bank security documents for three of the largest commercial banks in Kenya.

  • Advised a major UK bank, in which the bank was lending a Kenyan company £18 million, in conjunction with a leading British law firm. This transaction involved the review and amendment of the transaction documents, including a loan agreement and accompanying securities, and giving a legal opinion based on Kenyan law.

  • Advised one of the largest banks in the country on a project finance transaction that had to comply with Islamic banking practices to the value of US$6 million.

  • Advised on receiverships and debt rescheduling deals, including advising on placing in receivership a large farming company in Kenya. Following the appointment of the receivers, IKM was also involved in negotiating the terms of the subsequent settlement entered into by the company and the bank.

  • Advised on the review and preparation of an opinion on one of the biggest and most complex accounts of a leading multinational bank involving over 100 security and other related documents.

Market recognition

Chambers Global 2016

IKM ranked highly in Banking & Finance and was noted for being " very Professional, efficient and very approchable". IKM was also noted as a firm that "will revolutionise the work being done in the region. The support they are able to draw on because of their affiliation with DLA piper means they can undertake some of the country's defining infrastructure and project transactions".

Managing Partner, James Kamau is commended for his specialist expertise in the sector and client-oriented approach. Sources describe him as "excellent", "most accessible and really understands the regulatory environment in Kenya".

Sources speak highly of Anne Kinyanjui's skill in managing significant transactions and describe her as "very knowledgable and very approachable"

Chambers Global 2015

IKM ranked highly in Banking and Finance and was recognised for its Conveyancing and Bank Securities practice area. IKM was also noted for being “very thorough – you can rely on their advice”; “they are responsive and look at issues in their totality”.

IKM Conveyancing and Bank Securities lawyers are “reliable and diligent” and “bring a commercial view of the entire transaction”.

Managing Partner, James Mburu Kamau, advises numerous banking clients as part of his broad-based practice. Sources say he is “very practical and solution-oriented.”

Anne Kinyanjui is Head of the firm’s Conveyancing and Banking Securities practices. Anne “delivers” and is “focused on the customer”.

Legal 500 2015

IKM ranks as a First-tier firm (Top-Tier recommendation) in Banking and Finance – noted as “extremely responsive”; the lawyers are “extremely professional and efficient.”

Anne Kinyanjui heads IKM’s “extremely professional and efficient” practice that covers a broad spectrum of financing matters, including banking law and project/acquisition finance. Anne Kinyanjui and Norah Mutuku are the names to note.

Chambers Global 2014

IKM Managing Partner, James Kamau, is praised by commentators for his experience in banking work as well as his role in fostering this practice area.

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