Top 10 Best Law Firms in Kenya

Kenya’s legal landscape is home to some of the most influential and respected law firms in East Africa—firms that not only handle high-stakes litigation and multi-million-dollar transactions, but also shape policy, advise global corporations, and steer major constitutional matters.

From high-profile clients in need of expert legal representation to aspiring lawyers mapping out their future, many turn to Kenya’s most reputable law firms for guidance, influence, and results.

This list highlights the firms that consistently rise to the top—renowned for their expertise, proven track records, and strong reputations. These are the names that define excellence in Kenya’s legal profession.

Top 10 Best Law Firms in Kenya

1. Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya)

2. Bowmans (Coulson Harney LLP)

3. Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

4. DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)

5. Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

6. Oraro & Company Advocates

7. ENSafrica (Kenya)

8. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (Kieti Law LLP)

9. CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

10. TripleOKLaw Advocates

1. Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya)

• Founded: 1954
• Offices: Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Dubai
• Lawyers: Over 100
• Affiliation: Founding member of Africa Legal Network (ALN)

Anjarwalla & Khanna is East Africa’s largest full-service law firm, renowned for its comprehensive legal services across various sectors. The firm has expanded its footprint beyond Kenya, establishing offices in Tanzania and the UAE, making it the first African firm licensed in the UAE. Their expertise spans corporate law, dispute resolution, banking and finance, and real estate, among others.

2. Bowmans (Coulson Harney LLP)

• Founded: 2008
• Offices: Nairobi
• Lawyers: Over 50
• Affiliation: Part of Bowmans, a pan-African law firm with offices in six countries

Bowmans Kenya, operating as Coulson Harney LLP, is a full-service corporate and commercial law firm providing legal advice and transaction services to a wide range of international and local clients. The firm is recognized for its expertise in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, and real estate.

3. Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews

• Founded: 1902
• Offices: Nairobi, Mombasa
• Lawyers: Over 60
• Affiliation: Part of Dentons, the world's largest law firm

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews is one of Kenya's oldest and most prestigious law firms, offering a unique combination of local knowledge and global expertise. The firm provides a full range of legal services, including corporate and commercial law, projects and infrastructure, banking, and dispute resolution.

4. DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)

• Founded: 1995
• Offices: Nairobi
• Affiliation: Member of DLA Piper Africa, a Swiss Verein of independent law firms

IKM Advocates is a full-service commercial law firm with highly qualified lawyers experienced in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution, projects and infrastructure, real estate, finance, and tax. As part of DLA Piper Africa, the firm combines local expertise with global reach.

5. Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

• Founded: 1938
• Offices: Nairobi
• Lawyers: Over 50
• Affiliation: Founder member of LEXAfrica

Kaplan & Stratton is a premier law firm providing a comprehensive range of legal services and solutions for domestic and international clients. The firm is recognized for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, litigation and arbitration, intellectual property, aviation law, tax, and banking and finance.

6. Oraro & Company Advocates

• Founded: 1977
• Offices: Nairobi
• Lawyers: 26
• Affiliation: Full affiliate of AB & David Africa

Oraro & Company Advocates is a full-service law firm with a strong focus on dispute resolution and corporate & commercial law. The firm has been consistently ranked by leading legal directories such as Chambers Global, IFLR1000, and Legal 500 as a top-tier firm in Kenya.

7. ENSafrica (Kenya)

• Offices: Nairobi
• Lawyers: Part of over 600 practitioners across Africa
• Affiliation: Africa's largest law firm with 12 offices

ENSafrica is Africa's largest law firm, offering a full range of legal services across the continent. In Kenya, the firm provides expertise in tax, corporate law, and dispute resolution, catering to both local and international clients.

8. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (Kieti Law LLP)

• Offices: Nairobi
• Affiliation: Part of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, a full-service law firm with over 260 lawyers

Kieti Law LLP is a leading law firm in Kenya providing personalized legal services of the highest quality in key specialist areas of practice. The firm is part of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, which has an extensive reach across Africa.

9. CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates

• Founded: 1899
• Offices: Nairobi, Mombasa
• Affiliation: Part of CMS, a global law firm with over 5,000 lawyers in more than 70 offices worldwide

CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates is the oldest law firm in Kenya, providing a full range of legal services. The firm's integration with CMS allows it to offer clients access to global legal resources and expertise.

10. TripleOKLaw Advocates

• Founded: 2002
• Offices: Nairobi
• Lawyers: Over 30

TripleOKLaw Advocates is a dynamic law firm known for its expertise in corporate law, dispute resolution, and intellectual property. The firm's innovative approach and commitment to client service make it a preferred choice for businesses and individuals alike.

Conclusion

Kenya’s top law firms are more than just legal service providers—they are influential institutions shaping the country’s commercial, political, and legal landscape. With unmatched expertise, high-profile clients, and a legacy of success, these firms set the gold standard for legal excellence. From complex litigation to major corporate deals, they continue to lead and define the future of legal practice in Kenya. These are the names that command respect and deliver results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best law firms in Kenya?

The best law firms in Kenya include Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya), Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, Bowmans (Coulson Harney LLP), DLA Piper Africa (IKM Advocates), Kaplan & Stratton, and Oraro & Company Advocates. These firms are top-ranked by Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Chambers for excellence in corporate law, dispute resolution, and commercial transactions.

Which is the biggest law firm in Kenya?

Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya) is the biggest law firm in Kenya. Founded in 1954, it has over 100 lawyers and is the founding member of ALN, Africa’s largest legal alliance. It handles high-value corporate, tax, and real estate matters for regional and international clients.

Which law firms in Kenya are affiliated with international networks?

Top Kenyan firms with global affiliations include:

• Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews (part of Dentons)
• IKM Advocates (member of DLA Piper Africa)
• Bowmans (Coulson Harney LLP) (part of pan-African Bowmans)
• ENSafrica Kenya (part of ENSafrica, Africa’s largest firm)
• Kieti Law LLP (associated with Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr)

These affiliations allow Kenyan firms to handle complex cross-border transactions.

What services do top law firms in Kenya offer?

Leading Kenyan law firms provide:

• Corporate and commercial law
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Banking and finance
• Real estate and conveyancing
• Intellectual property
• Dispute resolution and arbitration
• Employment and labour law

These services support clients from startups to global corporations.

How are law firms in Kenya ranked?

Kenyan law firms are ranked by directories like Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Chambers based on expertise, client feedback, and complexity of cases. Tier 1 firms include Anjarwalla & Khanna, Bowmans, and Dentons HHM. Rankings cover practice areas like M&A, finance, and litigation.

Which law firms in Kenya are best for dispute resolution?

Top dispute resolution firms in Kenya include:

• Dentons HHM – High-profile litigation & arbitration
• Oraro & Company Advocates – Known for banking and constitutional law cases
• Kaplan & Stratton – Strong in commercial and constitutional litigation
• IKM Advocates – Offers global litigation strategies via DLA Piper

They consistently rank highly in Chambers Global for litigation and arbitration.

What should I consider when choosing a law firm in Kenya?

To choose a law firm in Kenya, consider:

• The firm’s experience in your legal area
• Rankings by Chambers, Legal 500, or IFLR1000
• Size and capacity of the team
• International partnerships (if needed)
• Fee transparency and structure

This helps ensure the firm fits your legal and budgetary needs.