Sectors We Serve

The traditional notion of agriculture is no longer relevant in the present context with massive technological and institutional changes introduced in the sector. Agribusiness is a key industry and encompasses all facets of agriculture from basic farming to productive resource, agricultural commodities to facilitative services. Entities working in the sphere deal with issues pertaining to land laws, labour laws, intellectual property laws, international trade laws, food safety as well as environmental laws to name a few. The rise in the number of emerging Agri-tech starts up in Kenya has fueled the curiosity of global investors and has led to various private-public partnerships in the sector in recent day. It is now well known fact that an assortment of technology like hybrid seeds, precision farming, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, geo-tagging and satellite monitoring, mobile apps, and farm management software can be applied at every stage in the agriculture process to increase productivity and farm incomes.

With our expansive domain expertise and a special focus on start-ups, we cater to this sector in a holistic manner ranging from policy advisory, regulatory compliance, drafting of technology contracts to facilitating investment and handholding in funding rounds.

A maturing automotive market in Kenya means more choice for customers. Globalization is prompting the entities operating in the sector to consolidate, upgrade technology, enhance product range, enter new markets and cut costs. Moreover, an emerging trend in partnerships and joint ventures between traditional automotive and technology companies is observed. With advanced technology and sustainability driving this sector, the legislative landscape has transformed to ensure accountability and higher levels of discernible value to customers. All this has a bearing on a company’s policies, supply chain, agreements, IPR protection strategies, financing programs, strategic alliances. To succeed in the face of greater competitive intensity and stricter regulatory environment, the entire ecosystem, comprising automotive manufacturers, their suppliers, dealers and service centers need to indulge in strategic planning, regular compliance monitory and implementing protections. We have assisted auto majors on corporate and commercial matters, tax, corporate governance, IPR, litigation. If you are looking to establish operations in Kenya, we can also advise you on FDI regulations and help you obtain various statutory approvals.

Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, rapid internet penetration across the country and the convenience of shopping via e-commerce sites are transforming the way manufacturers of consumer products engage and transact with customers. With added number of stakeholders in complex supply chain agreements that cover various payments options, last mile delivery and reverse logistics to support “returns’ , enhanced risk management capabilities have become vital for functionaries in the sector. In addition, brands need to continuously seek copyright and trademark protection as well as deal with traditional organizational as well as transactional issues including disputes over product specifications, service, unauthorized credit card usage or even online purchases by minors. In the case of brick-and-mortar retailers, effective mitigation of the risks associated with buying or leasing real estate in Kenya as they expand is also crucial. As a full-service law firm, we advise and assist on corporate, commercial, real estate, IPR, employment and technology matters. We also facilitate dispute resolution, whether through litigation or alternative mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration. Further, to meet the emerging trend of consolidation in the retail industry, we are well prepared to advise you on the most effective way to achieve your objectives, whether it is to acquire a brand, customer base, technology backbone or indeed, a network of store.

All sustainable development, whether social or economic, is underpinned by education. As Kenya seeks to reap its demographic dividends over the next couple of decades, it is critical that the country’s educational system improves in terms of reach and access, standards and pedagogical processes. Without a doubt, both formal education and vocational training represent huge opportunities in Kenya. When it comes to aspects such as who is allowed to establish such institutions, admissions, fees, reservations for certain sections, the process of affiliations and approval of curricula is also cumbersome, given that different regulators oversee different courses. We can advise you on the best way to structure your educational concerns so that you achieve the fine balance between the need for financial returns to investors, compliance with Kenyan regulations and setting up an ecosystem that attracts quality students. We can also assist you with specific aspects of your strategy and plans, e.g acquiring adequate real estate at preferred locations, obtaining approvals to construct campus, contracts with full time and visiting faculty, etc. we also enable foreign universities, vocational institutions to enter Kenya and set up campuses. Furthermore, the assimilation of education and technology has breached unknown boundaries. Edu-Tech has transformed the practical educational experience and ensured ubiquitous access. We assist educational institutions, online educational platforms, and EdTech entities e.tc on various technology, corporate and commercial matters as well as litigation.

The availability of raw material production base, high consumer base has led Kenya to be considered as one of the most favourable markets in the food industry. The government constantly formulates policies to ensure safe, wholesome and hygienic food. The consumer mindset is evolving and is more considerate of health, ethics and environmental concerns that have led to a rise in organic, plant-based, locally sourced, sustainable food. Through new technologies, innovations and other methods of value additions, entities involved in food processing, food retail , transport, logistics, related infrastructure and supply chain organisations have further realized significant business growth opportunities in recent years. However, issues such as food frauds, lack of traceability, legal challenges with the competition authority, energy and environmental impact plague the sector. We provide holistic solutions to traditional and contemporary food businesses to meet the legal tribulations that these issues have aggravated. The sector’s growth trajectory, as well as Kenya’s strong macro & Micro economic indicators and policies, have resulted in a sharp increase in foreign investment and collaborations. We help food business operators with registration and licensing and ensure compliance with imported food consignments as well as other legal and regulatory requirements. We also assist food processing and ancillary service providers with necessary legal and compliance.

Growth of corporatized hospitals and chains, the emergence of PE firm-backed primary care, use of information technology to automate various hospital processes and protocols, use of technology to improve quality of care, are examples of this transformation. We assist hospitals, diagnostic centers, pathology laboratories on various corporate and commercial matters as well as litigation. Life sciences companies (including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies ) may also be viewed as part of the larger “health and wellness” ecosytem. For companies driven by basic research, patenting their research and products and enforcing the IPR is critical. We advise and assist in a range of IP matters such as preparation of patentability, freedom to operate, infringement and validity opinions and opposition/appeal/infringement/revocation proceedings specific to life sciences sector. We advise and assist pharmaceutical manufacturing plants with real estate matters including finding suitable alternative locations and obtaining the requisite approvals. In addition to advising on corporate, commercial and employment law related matters, we assist in M & A and corporate restructuring work as well.

The assimilation of education and technology has breached unknown boundaries. Edu-Tech has transformed the practical educational experience and ensured ubiquitous access.

The rise in the number of emerging Agri-tech starts up in Kenya has fueled the curiosity of global investors and has led to various private-public partnerships in the sector in recent day.

With the establishment of Export processing zones, specialized processing zones that has led to the installation of large production based owing to the large manpower available, Kenya’s textile and apparel industry is globally competitive and locally pivotal. The sector is now transforming with the advent of technology that has resulted in the proliferation of man-made fibres and technical textiles bringing with it a horde of legal complexity. In addition, increasing awareness has brought about concepts like sustainability and ethical fashion in the fray transforming the perception of clothing and confounding the demand aspect. Furthermore, the internet has been a mix of opportunities and obstacles for the sector starting from the introduction of online marketplaces to the threat of intellectual property infringement. We deal with the entire range of legal issues galling the sector, ranging from corporate matters to IP, real estate, labour, trading , technology to litigation concerns. We assist a range of clientele including textile manufacturers, designers, brand owners, franchises, online and offline retailers, wholesalers with their legal difficulties and regulatory compliances.