Top 5 Biggest Law Firms in Kenya

Kenya's legal landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years, and with it, the rise of powerful law firms dominating the industry. From high-stakes litigation to corporate mergers and cross-border transactions, these firms are behind some of the country’s most influential cases and deals. According to the Law Society of Kenya, the legal services sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy—and the biggest firms are leading that charge.

In this guide, we dive into Kenya’s top law firms—who they are, what they specialize in, and why they’re trusted by major clients, both local and international. If you're looking for legal representation, industry insight, or simply curious about the key players in Kenyan law—this one's for you!

What Defines a "Big" Law Firm in Kenya?

• Size of the firm (number of partners, associates, and staff)
• Client portfolio and types of cases handled
• Revenue and international affiliations
• Legal rankings in Chambers, Legal 500, and IFLR
• Years of experience and historical relevance

Top 5 Biggest Law Firms in Kenya

1. Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates (A&K)

2. Daly & Inamdar Advocates

3. Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates (IKM)

4. MMC Africa Advocates

5. Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

1. Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates (A&K)

Founded in 1979, Anjarwalla & Khanna is Kenya’s largest and one of the most prestigious full-service law firms. With over 90 lawyers, the firm specializes in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, project finance, dispute resolution, and mergers and acquisitions. A&K has been instrumental in major national projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway and large-scale energy developments.

The firm’s client base spans multinational corporations, development finance institutions, and government entities. Its Nairobi headquarters is complemented by regional connections throughout East Africa. A&K regularly features in Chambers Global and Legal 500 rankings, reflecting its top-tier status.

2. Daly & Inamdar Advocates

Established in the early 1960s, Daly & Inamdar is one of Kenya’s oldest and most respected law firms. Known for its personalized service and deep expertise in commercial law, the firm advises on mergers and acquisitions, real estate, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

It handles complex cross-border transactions for corporate clients and has a track record of influencing legal reforms in Kenya’s corporate governance sector. Based in Nairobi, Daly & Inamdar remains a trusted advisor for many leading businesses.

3. Iseme, Kamau & Maema Advocates (IKM)

IKM is a vibrant mid-sized firm with a strong reputation for corporate law, competition law, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. The firm is particularly active in the telecoms and energy sectors, frequently advising clients on licensing, regulatory matters, and transactional support.

With a Nairobi base, IKM is known for its innovative legal solutions and regional reach across East Africa. It has built a solid reputation for providing cost-effective and commercially savvy advice.

4. MMC Africa Advocates

MMC Africa is one of the leading firms in intellectual property, commercial law, and dispute resolution. It represents clients in technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and entertainment industries. The firm is recognized for its client-centered approach and expertise in protecting intellectual property rights, a growing concern for businesses in Kenya. MMC Africa’s Nairobi office serves as a hub for regional and international clients seeking sophisticated legal counsel.

5. Kaplan & Stratton Advocates

Kaplan & Stratton, founded in 1950, is a full-service law firm with expertise in commercial litigation, arbitration, real estate, banking, and intellectual property. The firm is known for handling some of the most high-profile litigation and arbitration cases in Kenya and the broader East African region. It offers strategic legal advice to multinational corporations and government bodies. Kaplan & Stratton’s offices are based in Nairobi, with extensive influence in the region’s legal and business communities.

How to Choose the Right Law Firm in Kenya

Selecting the right law firm depends on your legal needs and objectives. Consider the following:

• Firm Size & Expertise: Larger firms often offer a broad range of services and have extensive resources, while smaller firms may provide more specialized attention.
• Specialization: Identify whether the firm’s practice areas align with your legal issues, such as corporate law, intellectual property, or dispute resolution.
• Reputation & Client Reviews: Research the firm’s track record and feedback from past clients.
• Regional & International Reach: For cross-border transactions, a firm with regional presence or international affiliations is advantageous.
• Cost Transparency: Understand the fee structures and ensure the firm’s billing practices are clear and reasonable.

Conclusion

Kenya’s biggest law firms are pivotal in advancing the country’s legal and business environment. Their comprehensive expertise, large teams, and regional influence enable them to deliver exceptional legal services across diverse sectors. When choosing legal representation, aligning your needs with a firm’s strengths and reputation ensures the best possible outcomes. Stay informed and engage with Kenya’s top legal experts to navigate the complexities of today’s legal landscape confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the largest law firm in Kenya?

Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya) is widely regarded as the largest law firm in Kenya. It has the biggest legal team in the country and is the founding firm of the ALN (Africa Legal Network), offering corporate law, banking, litigation, and real estate services across Africa.

What services do top law firms in Kenya offer?

Top law firms in Kenya offer services including:

• Corporate and Commercial Law – mergers, acquisitions, restructuring
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution – court representation, arbitration, mediation
• Banking & Finance – lending, securities, compliance
• Intellectual Property Law – patents, trademarks, copyrights
• Employment & Labour Law – contracts, compliance, disputes
• Real Estate & Conveyancing – land transfers, leases, construction law
• Energy, Oil & Gas Law – project finance, compliance, joint ventures
• Tax Law – tax structuring, transfer pricing, disputes

How do I choose a good law firm in Kenya?

To choose a good law firm in Kenya:

• Check specialization in your legal area
• Look at reputation through reviews and rankings
• Assess size and resources for complex matters
• Consider location and availability
• Compare fees and billing transparency

Large law firms are ideal for corporate matters, while boutique firms may offer more personalized services.

Are there international law firms in Kenya?

Yes, Kenya hosts several international law firms or local firms with global affiliations:

• Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews – Part of Dentons global network
• DLA Piper Africa (IKM Advocates) – Affiliated with DLA Piper
• Bowmans Kenya (Coulson Harney LLP) – Pan-African presence
• ENSafrica Kenya – Part of Africa’s largest law firm

These firms provide international legal standards with deep local expertise.